The Uganda Cranes are flying high, and on Monday night, 11th August, 2025, all eyes turn to Mandela National Stadium as Uganda takes on Niger in their third CHAN 2024 Group C clash. Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM under the lights in Namboole.
After a 3–0 victory over Guinea in their second match, thanks to clinical finishes from Reagan Mpande, Allan Okello, and Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Uganda sits in a commanding position in the group. But head coach Morley Byekwaso is keeping his players grounded.
“The camp is geared up and the boys are in full morale, but the celebrations have to end because it’s another battle to win,” Byekwaso told journalists. “We won’t underestimate Niger because they also need this win.”
Niger, who are stepping into their second group game, started with a narrow 0–1 defeat to Guinea. They’ll arrive desperate to get their tournament back on track — a reality Byekwaso says Uganda must be ready for.
“This game means a lot, thus we need the fans to give us a boost and vibe like they did against Guinea. We assure them that we shall replicate what we did last time to give them joy and happiness,” he added.
Defender Gavin Kizito Mugweri echoed the coach’s call for focus.
“We, the players, were happy for the win, and we’re ready to do the same in the next game against Niger. The same way we lost our first game, they also lost theirs, and thus they are looking at our game to get back in the equation,” Kizito said.
With both sides hungry for points, the stage is set for a fierce battle. The Cranes will lean on the same electric support that roared them past Guinea, as thousands of fans in red, black, and yellow look to lift their team closer to the knockout rounds.