Uganda and Niger set for CHAN’s make-or-break night in Kampala

On Monday night in Kampala, the Mandela National Stadium will become more than a venue — it will be a stage where two nations fight to keep their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) dreams alive.

Uganda, fuelled by the roar of their home crowd, will face Niger in a Group C showdown that could end one team’s campaign before it has truly begun.

The stakes are stark. For Uganda, victory could propel them toward the knockout rounds.

For Niger, defeat could send them home. Around 300 travelling Nigerien fans are expected to bring their colours, chants and drums into a cauldron that will be dominated by thousands of Ugandan voices.

Both teams know the margins are razor thin, and both coaches have already revealed their tactical blueprints for this decisive encounter.

Byekwaso Eyes Tactical Precision and Fan Power

Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso says his team will not simply repeat the approach that secured their win over Guinea — instead, they will tailor their game to blunt Niger’s threats.

“No game is the same. Each match presents different challenges, but we will try to maintain the core of the team that was structurally and positionally solid, Byekwaso said.

"However, tactics will have to change a bit because Niger’s style of play is different. There might be some adjustments on the field, but those who gave their best will be recognized tomorrow.”

Byekwaso knows that the crowd’s energy was instrumental in their last outing and has issued a rallying cry.

“It means a lot for us to have the support of our fan base. In the game against Guinea, they gave us the best possible support and we repaid them with the win.

"This time, we ask them to come in large numbers, as this match is decisive for our hopes of qualification.”

All previously injured players are available again, but Byekwaso says the starting line-up will be finalised only after the final medical checks.

Kizito Warns Against Complacency

Defender Gavin Mugweri Kizito, one of Uganda’s most experienced figures, is determined to keep the team’s feet firmly on the ground despite facing opponents who lost their opening match.

“We were also in that position after the first game. We will not assume it will be easy just because they lost.

We are mentally, physically, and technically prepared for tomorrow, and determined to get a good result.”

His focus is not just on winning but on maintaining a clean sheet.

“The most important thing is to win. Only afterwards can we think about goal difference. We have to win and, at the same time, avoid conceding goals because that affects the team’s spirit and confidence.”

Kizito, too, made an appeal to the supporters: “Once again, I ask the public to make a strong presence in the stadium and help us win tomorrow’s game. They were important and helped lift the team’s morale. Please come and support us!”

Doulla’s Blueprint: Fix the Mistakes, Face the Noise

On the Nigerien side, coach Harouna Doulla is well aware that his side’s hopes hinge on getting it right this time.

After the disappointment of their opening defeat, he is calling for discipline, pressure and a sharp use of their strengths.

“We have to rectify some mistakes we made and pressure our opponent, using our strengths. We have to focus. We are prepared to face the fans, and that is good for the spectacle of the game," the Niger coach said.

Doulla knows from experience that Ugandan home crowds can be intimidating, but he sees that as a challenge to be embraced.

“In all our previous encounters against Uganda, the fans’ pressure is very strong, but we will contain that pressure and fight with our fighting spirit. We have never lost in this competition, but now we have to write a new story, and the players must free themselves and show their potential.”

The coach says preparations in recent days have been intense and focused, and he also took time to praise the organisation of the tournament so far.

Issoufou Boubacar: Belief in the Face of Pressure

Niger’s captain, Abdoul Kahar Issoufou Boubacar, wants his team to approach the match with both caution and optimism.

“We have prepared for this game well in advance. It is true we were caught by surprise and lost the first game, but that is football," Boubacar said

"Against Uganda, we will play cautiously and focused so as not to make mistakes.

He also offered a message to Niger’s supporters back home and in Kampala.

“For this important game, I would like to send a message of support: we have to be optimistic and hold our heads high. In Niger, there is a saying that nothing is impossible.”

A Contest Where Details Decide

Both sides enter this match with their tournament ambitions at stake and their reputations on the line.

Uganda will count on tactical flexibility and the undeniable lift of home support, while Niger will try to draw on their resilience and the motivation of proving doubters wrong.

For Uganda, a win could turn them into serious contenders for a place in the knockout stage.

For Niger, a victory could spark a remarkable turnaround. In a match where every tackle, pass and decision matters, it may be mental discipline as much as physical performance that decides who keeps their CHAN journey alive.