Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to face Group K leaders Congo in their second 2025 AFCON qualifying match, despite the limited rest following their away game in South Africa on Friday.
The national football team will face Congo tonight at 7 PM at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
This is after they faced South Africa on Friday, and travelled back to the country on Saturday to prepare for the clash.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, the captain expressed his confidence saying, “We literally have no time to rest, but as players, our spirits are high. We are ready to throw our bodies on the line to make ourselves and Ugandans proud.”
Uganda comes into the game following a 2-2 away draw with South Africa, where they were denied a win by a late equaliser for the hosts.
However, Aucho remains optimistic about their chances, emphasizing the importance of their away point as a solid foundation for their qualifying campaign.
“We earned a point away, and that was important for us to start the campaign on a positive note. We have no excuse not to win at home,” Aucho stated.
He adding that the team has learned from their mistakes and is now focused on securing victory against Congo.
“We conceded a late goal because we lost concentration. It was painful, but we’re now ready for the next game. We’re ready to win the game so that we can be able to qualify (for AFCON 2025).”
Ahead of the Congo clash, Uganda’s squad received a boost with the inclusion of defenders Kenneth Ssemakula, Halidi Lwaliwa, and striker Muhammad Shaban.
A win for the Cranes will propel them to the top of the group with four points, ahead of tomorrow’s clash between South Africa and South Sudan.
Congo, who now lead the group with three points after their win against South Sudan last Thursday, will however aim to maintain their momentum.
