• South Africa vs. Uganda – 8pm, Mandela National Stadium, Namboole 

The stage is set for a historic night in Namboole as the Uganda Cranes stand just 90 minutes away from reaching the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarterfinals for the very first time.

A single point against South Africa in their final Group C clash on Monday will be enough to break a long-standing barrier. Uganda has never advanced past the group stages in their previous six CHAN appearances, but this time they sit top of the group with six points after back-to-back wins. 

Friday’s draws—Algeria 1-1 Guinea and South Africa 0-0 Niger worked in Uganda’s favor, leaving the Cranes in pole position. A draw tonight will seal qualification, while victory guarantees the top spot and a quarterfinal to be played right at Namboole.

Algeria, currently second on five points, faces Niger in Nairobi in the group’s other fixture. A win will see them through regardless of what happens in Kampala. South Africa, also on five points but with an inferior goal difference, must beat Uganda to qualify.

Uganda Cranes, however, will miss influential midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, who is suspended after two yellow cards. His absence is a blow, but coach Morley Byekwaso is confident others will rise to the occasion. 

“South Africa is a good team, very strong in the final third, but we know what is at stake,” Byekwaso said at Sunday’s pre-match press conference.

“We top the table because we worked very hard for it. We want a win regardless. Passing through the humiliation against Algeria and coming back stronger in the next two games shows we are prepared to make history.” 

On Sserunjogi’s suspension, he added, “Missing Joel is challenging, but I trust all the boys. Every player has his moment, and someone will step up. We thank the supporters who have been with us since the start. We call on them to come in big numbers and help us finish what we started.”

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki stressed the magnitude of the tie. “This is a very important match. We know that when we win, we progress to the quarterfinals. It’s the final game of Group C, and all three teams want the win. We are ready to fight and will do whatever it takes.”

Uganda Cranes midfielder Abdulkarim Watambala underlined the team’s determination:

“The boys are in good shape and aren’t willing to disappoint the fans. We know what it means. We had a setback in our first game, but we learned from our mistakes. We don’t want to disappoint the coaches and everyone who believes in us. We’re prepared and ready to go.”

Uganda needs just a draw to make history, but a win would stamp their authority as table leaders and genuine title contenders. The Cranes can still progress if Niger upsets Algeria in Nairobi.

For South Africa, it’s simple: win or go home.

Group C Standings 

Uganda – 6 points

By ChimpReports