Mato targeting history ahead of Algeria showdown

Rogers Mato celebrates his goal against Tanzania in the past qualifier|FUFA Image

AFCON 2023 Mato targeting history ahead of Algeria showdown

Allan Damba 10:42 - 17.06.2023

KCCA FC star Rogers Mato is a man full of buoyancy ahead of Uganda Cranes' crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against continental kingpins Algeria on Sunday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.

For the forward, it's history time for Uganda, who will have brightened their chances of making the finals slated for Ivory Coast, should they beat The Fennec Foxes.

"This game is the one that will take us into the history books and it is very important for us to get positive points, we are technically prepared," a confident Mato said via FUFA.

"We did our very best to see that we are summoned. In this game we are going in, it is a big one and we are going to play a big country," he gave an honest assessment.

"They are technical and tactically strong. We shall do whatever we can do to get the points," Mato noted.

The hardworking player, who can also play as a winger, was the hero in Uganda's last qualifier, netting the only goal that sunk Tanzania at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Mato in training with the Uganda Cranes|FUFA Image

"It is always a nice feeling to score goals and I look forward to scoring for my country every time I wear the jersey," noted Mato.

Anything less than victory could put Uganda's chances of making it to Ivory Coast in jeopardy, as they are third with four points in as many matches.

While the Cranes tie with runners-up Tanzania, there's only one more place in Group F, which any of the three including Niger (three points), can take up.

Algeria meanwhile, already qualified as the toppers as they have accumulated a maximum 12 points in the past four games.