Veteran Uganda Cranes defender, Joseph Ochaya, has appealed for the support of fans ahead of their crucial match against Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for September 7th, 2023. Ochaya conveyed his plea after a training session on Monday night at the Grande Stade de Marrakech Annex, the venue for the upcoming game.

He noted that the team’s morale is high, with every player fully focused on the upcoming match to secure qualification for the continental showpiece. However, Ochaya emphasized the essential role that fans play in boosting their performance. He called for support from both fans who can travel to Morocco and those who will be watching the game remotely.

Defender Bavis Mugabi, who last played for the Cranes against Niger in August of the previous year, acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead. He stressed the importance of fighting for a much-needed victory, regardless of the difficulty.

Uganda Cranes will face Niger, a team with nothing to lose as a win cannot secure their qualification for AFCON. The responsibility of qualifying falls squarely on the shoulders of the Cranes, motivating them to unleash their utmost capabilities and emerge victorious against Niger.

The Cranes, who underwent partial residential training in Uganda, departed for Morocco on Saturday to acclimatize for at least four days before the decisive match against Niger. In the current standings, Uganda Cranes hold the third position with four points.

They face tough competition from Tanzania, which occupies the second qualifying spot with seven points.

With only one match remaining in the AFCON qualification campaign, Uganda must secure a convincing victory against Niger and hope that Algeria defeats Tanzania by a significant goal margin to bolster their chances of qualification.

Group F Standings

Algeria – 15 points (Qualified)

Tanzania – 7 points

Uganda – 4 points

Niger – 2 points (eliminated)