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With that goal, Uganda picked maximum points and moved from one to four points in Group F and off the bottom.
With Uganda out of contention in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, firing the Cranes’ head coach Milutin Sredojevic would have been one of the easiest decisions for FUFA.
But when Micho needed a saviour, Rogers Mato stepped off the bench in the 62nd minute to score the goal that kept the Serb in the job but also kept Uganda dreaming of qualification to AFCON.
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10:42 - 17.06.2023
AFCON 2023 Mato targeting history ahead of Algeria showdown
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.
Uganda were on the brink, but Faruku Miya released Mato, who coolly finished past Tanzania’s custodian Aishi Manula to send the Cranes contingent into celebrations and silence Dar es Salam.
With that goal, Uganda picked maximum points and moved from one to four points in Group F and off the bottom.
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16:10 - 16.06.2023
AFCON 2023 Watchout Uganda! Algeria celebrate Riyadh Mahrez’s Champions League, two more continental triumphs in the team
The strength of the Algeria National team highlights the challenge that awaits the Uganda Cranes in their 2023 AFCON qualifier on Sunday in Douala, Cameroon.
The mathematics changed. With a goalless draw, Tanzania were moving to five points, and Uganda staying stuck at the bottom with two.
Mato’s strike revived Uganda’s hopes, and the last two matches will decide whether Uganda can qualify for the finals or were just delaying the inevitable.
The first and easiest solution to the qualification problems will be for Uganda to win their last two matches against Algeria and Niger.
14:59 - 16.06.2023
AFCON2023Q A letter to the Mighty Uganda Cranes
Micho should opt for an attacking-minded team that will help the team create chances and take them away as they come.
That is, of course, easier said than done.
The Cranes have never been easy on the eye under Micho, and Sunday’s home game being played miles away from home might not be the first time the team chooses to employ a possession-based approach.
The presence of star players like Riyad Mahrez of Manchester must send shivers down every Cranes faithful, but that is what it takes to belong to the top.
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10:32 - 17.06.2023
AFCON 2023 Salim Jamal holds firm belief Uganda can stun Algeria
The goal minder, who trades at Richards Bay in South Africa, believes the team can make a huge statement against one of Africa's finest teams, should they stick their spirits together and fight.
That 1-0 loss to DR Congo in the friendly on Wednesday offered no assurance that Uganda will be fluid in possession or stop the attack from penetrating.
But it is one of those games where Uganda will not mind another Mato moment to get a result and focus on the final game of the group.
What remains to be seen is whether Micho will call on the man who kept Uganda dreaming from the start or have him start on the bench.
Starting on Wednesday might have been a dress rehearsal for the forward who netted 11 league goals for KCCA.
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11:46 - 15.06.2023
AFCON 2023 No better chance to mature from boys to men than against Algeria, Micho urges Uganda Cranes' youngsters
Uganda Cranes must win their AFCON Qualifier against Algeria to stand a chance over Tanzania and Niger.
Having won their opening four games of the qualifiers, Algeria are already qualified for the finals.
That leaves Uganda as the only team in dire need of points when the two sides meet in Cameroon on Sunday.
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