Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has assured fans that the team is determined to bounce back when they face Guinea on Friday in their second Group C fixture of the CHAN 2024 tournament at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
This renewed optimism follows a sobering 3-0 defeat to Algeria in the opening match on Monday night — a result that highlighted key tactical and technical shortcomings, particularly in midfield control, defensive discipline, and goal-scoring execution.
Uganda struggled throughout the match to impose themselves, failing to retain possession or create meaningful chances, while also conceding space that Algeria capitalised on with clinical precision.
But speaking at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Byekwaso insisted the focus has since shifted to a fresh opportunity.
“We’ve put the first game behind us. Football has its ups and downs, but what matters is how you respond. The team is motivated, and we’re ready to give everything tomorrow,” he said.
He noted that critical flaws seen in the loss to Algeria had been addressed during training sessions and that the team is in a better mental and tactical space.
“We’ve worked on the areas where we fell short, and the boys are in a good place mentally. We believe we can make the country proud again,” Byekwaso added.
The coach also called on fans to fill the stands at Namboole and lift the players with their support.
“Our supporters mean everything to us. Yes, the first result was disappointing, but we urge fans to return in big numbers. We are still in this fight together, and their energy will lift the players. We promise to give them something to cheer about.”
He further confirmed that most of the squad is fit and available, although midfielders Emmanuel Anyama and Marvin Youngman are being assessed ahead of kickoff.
Third-choice captain and central defender Rogers Torach echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing confidence that the team is ready to fight.
“The team is fired up and focused. We know what is at stake and we are not dwelling on the past. Everyone is ready to fight for the badge. We want to make our fans proud and keep our dream alive,” said Torach.
Uganda Cranes will take encouragement from their most recent clash with Guinea, a 1-0 win during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as they aim to keep their CHAN 2024 campaign alive.
Following Friday’s encounter, Uganda is scheduled to face South Africa and Niger in the remaining group stage matches.
