Uganda vs Algeria: DR Congo to provide Cranes with 'a sense of home' in Cameroon

Fahad Bayo in action against Tanzania /COURTESY PICTURE

AFCON 2023 Uganda vs Algeria: DR Congo to provide Cranes with 'a sense of home' in Cameroon

Fred Mwambu • 16:06 - 13.06.2023

Uganda Cranes will host Algeria in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon.

Home advantage plays a crucial role in football and sports in general, but Uganda Cranes will have to bear the consequences of lacking facilities when they face Algeria in Cameroon.

The team has already experienced the detrimental effects of playing away, evident in their loss to Tanzania during a home fixture in Egypt back in March.

However, the team managed to bounce back and secure a victory in the return match in Dar Es Salaam, granting themselves and coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic a lifeline.

The team sits third in group F of the qualifiers with four points, the same as Tanzania in second and two ahead Niger, whom they play away in the final match.

Tough test

Prior to that, the team's focus should be on defying the odds and achieving a positive outcome against an Algerian side that boasts numerous talented players.

As they test their tactics and patterns and adapt to their new "home away from home" in Cameroon, they will face DR Congo on Wednesday evening.

Desabre test

It is worth noting that Sebastian Desabre, a former coach of the Uganda Cranes, is now the head coach of DR Congo.

Striker Fahad Bayo, who last scored in an AFCON qualifier in November 2019, believes that the friendly match against DR Congo will boost the team's morale.

Bayo, whose debut for the Cranes was during Desabre's tenure, stated, "These kinds of games, played before qualifiers, motivate and enhance our confidence.”

He added: “We need that motivation because the game against Algeria will be very tough, considering they have already secured their qualification and have relatively less to fight for. It will also boost the morale of the new players who are joining the team."

On the other side, DR Congo as well is struggling for their lives.

The leopards are rooted at the bottom of Group I, which has Gabon, Sudan and Mauritania. The Leopards have four points, three, two and one behind the three in their respective order.

DRC could get back into contention should they stun Gabon away in Franceville on Sunday.

The match will be held inside the Japoma Stadium at 6 pm local time.

International Friendly

Wednesday 14th June: Uganda vs DR Congo – Douala, Cameroon

AFCON 2023 Qualifiers

Sunday 18th: Uganda vs Algeria – Douala, Cameroon

Sunday 18th: Tanzania vs Niger – Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Sunday 18th: Gabon vs DR Congo – Franceville, Gabon

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