CHAN 2024: Byekwaso demands victory in Uganda’s historic quarterfinal chase

The Uganda Cranes are just 90 minutes away from making history as they take on South Africa in their final Group C fixture of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, tomorrow (Monday) at 8pm.

Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has made it clear that nothing short of victory is on his players’ minds despite needing only a draw to progress.

“South Africa is a good team, very strong in the final third, but we know what is at stake,” Byekwaso told the press on Sunday.

“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.”

Uganda currently top Group C with six points from three matches, recovering from a 3-0 opening defeat to Algeria with back-to-back wins — 3-0 against Guinea and 2-0 against Niger. However, they will be without midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

“Missing Joel is challenging, but I trust all the boys. Every player has his moment, and someone will step up to fill the gap,” Byekwaso noted.

He also hailed the fans’ support: “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.”

On the opposite side, South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki underscored the do-or-die nature of the tie for Bafana Bafana, who sit third in the group with five points.

“This is a very important match. We know that when we win, we progress to the quarterfinals,” Ntseki said. “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 to go past this stage.”

Uganda Cranes: Need at least a draw to qualify; a win secures top spot.

South Africa: Must win to qualify.

Algeria: Require victory against Niger to progress.

Niger: Eliminated, playing for pride.

With history on the line and a passionate home crowd behind them, the Uganda Cranes are closer than ever to breaking their group-stage curse. For Byekwaso’s men, Monday night offers the chance to finally etch their names into CHAN history but standing in their way is Ntseki’s determined Bafana Bafana.