KAMPALA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Niger head coach Harouna Doula Gabde has warned Uganda ahead of their crucial Group C encounter at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) next Monday in Kampala.
Gabde told Xinhua on Sunday that after losing its opening match 1-0 to Guinea, his team is determined to make life difficult for Uganda in a bid to secure its first win of the tournament.
"We know Uganda is co-host and will have the support of the fans, but we are determined and know what that second match means to our team," Gabde said.
The coach noted that the team has studied Uganda closely and is well-prepared for the challenge.
Uganda head coach Morley Byekwaso acknowledged the high stakes, saying the match against Niger is critical for its quarterfinal ambitions.
"Every match is difficult in its own way, but we shall make some changes, all in the hope of going out and trying to get a win. I call upon the fans who supported us in the big win against Guinea to come again in big numbers and cheer to motivate the team," Byekwaso said.
Uganda opened its CHAN campaign with a 3-0 loss to Algeria, but bounced back to beat Guinea by the same score last Friday.
The CHAN tournament, contested by players featuring for clubs in their home countries, has attracted 19 teams. Co-host Tanzania, which won all three matches, has already secured a place in the quarterfinals.
The competition, which began on August 2, runs until August 30 and is being co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
