The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, Uganda | Xinhua | Republic of Congo head coach Isaac Ngata has issued a warning to hosts Uganda ahead of their crucial Group K match in the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Uganda will face the Republic of Congo on Monday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Kampala, in what promises to be a pivotal encounter.
Ngata, however, insists there will be no advantage for the home side, stating that his team is fully focused on securing all three points. “We know what to expect, and the players know what we expect of them on the pitch,” Ngata told Xinhua.
Congo Brazzaville currently tops Group K after a 1-0 victory over South Sudan a few days ago, while Uganda Cranes managed a 2-2 draw against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Ngata emphasized that his team is approaching the game against Uganda as if it were a final. “We know the importance of winning matches early in such qualifiers. We are going all out to try and get early goals so that we can disorganize the hosts,” the coach added.
Uganda coach Paul Put acknowledged the significance of the match, especially after starting the campaign with a draw away from home. “It is always very important to try and win all your home matches and then go away and battle for some points too,” explained the experienced coach.
He urged Ugandan fans to come out in large numbers to support the team at the stadium, noting that strong fan support could help secure a victory. “We need to go all out and utilize the chances we create because football is a lot about the goals,” Put added.
Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho also expressed confidence ahead of the match, citing high morale within the squad. “As players, we are very hungry to get a win in front of our fans. We are well motivated and raring to go and do the job on the pitch,” said Aucho.
The Uganda Cranes last participated in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, held in Egypt. ■
