Salim Jamal holds firm belief Uganda can stun Algeria

Salim Jamal in training with the Cranes|FUFA Image

AFCON 2023 Salim Jamal holds firm belief Uganda can stun Algeria

Allan Damba 10:32 - 17.06.2023

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.

Ahead of their crunch Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie against Algeria, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal is optimistic the team can pick positive results on Sunday.

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.

"We are looking forward to the game on Sunday which is very important," stated Jamal to FUFA media ahead of the showdown at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.

"It is a lifetime chance to be at this stage. It is a chance for us to go through to the next round if we beat Algeria," he added.

Salim Jamal in the international friendly against DRC|FUFA Image

"With the squad we have, we just have to keep the spirit together. It is a mixture of young and experienced players. It is a moment for this generation to make history this time around against Algeria which is a big country when it comes to football."

Algeria boasts some of the world's biggest stars including Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez, Westham's Said Benrahma among others, but Jamal's focus is only on qualification and not their opponent's might.

"With the main focus on qualifying, we have to do our best so that we get the points on Sunday."

The Cranes camp was buoyed with a late arrival of Young Africans' midfielder Khalid Aucho who joined in on Wednesday, and Jamal feels his arrival was a major boost for the team.

"The addition of Khalid Aucho in the camp is a big boost because he is the second captain and an experienced player."

"I think when he is around the team is ready for the challenge. With Coach leading us it is a great opportunity to use this chance given his experience around Africa."

Uganda occupies third in Group F with four points, behind runners-up Tanzania with whom they share the point-tally, goal difference and head to head.

Meanwhile, Algeria has already qualified as the group's undisputed leaders having amassed a perfect 12 points. Niger rock the bottom with three.