The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala will host two pivotal Group C encounters on Monday in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with all four teams chasing vital points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
At 17:00 local time, South Africa face Guinea in a match where only victory will keep either side in serious contention for the knockout rounds. Bafana Bafana, with a point from their 1-1 draw against Algeria, sit bottom of the group, while Guinea are just ahead on goal difference after a 3-0 loss to Uganda. Uganda and Algeria currently lead the standings.
South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki called the clash “a second opportunity” for his players, stressing the need to turn their promising opening performance into three points. “We know we have to surpass ourselves in the next game,” he said, warning about Guinea’s dangerous attackers. Captain Keagan Dolly urged his side to “fix mistakes, take chances, and maintain concentration.”
Guinea coach Souleymane Camara, despite the heavy defeat to Uganda, remains confident. “Our objective is still alive,” he insisted, vowing to stick to the team’s footballing identity. Midfielder Mahamed Madani Diarra echoed the determination, saying: “We must react and overcome the bad moment.”
Later in the evening, Uganda and Niger meet in another must-win fixture. Uganda, buoyed by home support and their victory over Guinea, can move closer to the quarter-finals with another win. Niger, who lost their opener, face possible elimination if they fail to secure a result.
Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso promised tactical adjustments to counter Niger’s style while retaining the solid structure from their first match. “We ask our fans to come in large numbers, as this match is decisive,” he said. Defender Gavin Mugweri Kizito cautioned against complacency, emphasising the need for both victory and defensive discipline.
Niger coach Harouna Doulla called for a disciplined, focused approach, prepared to face Uganda’s intimidating home atmosphere. “We have to rectify mistakes and fight with our spirit,” he said. Captain Abdoul Kahar Issoufou Boubacar urged optimism, reminding his team that “nothing is impossible.”
With Group C finely balanced, Monday’s results could define the tournament paths for all four teams. For South Africa and Guinea, a win is a lifeline; for Uganda and Niger, the stakes are equally stark — survive, or see CHAN 2024 dreams fade.
Kick-off for the first match is at 17:00, with the second to follow under the floodlights in Kampala.
