Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has urged fans to rally behind the team as they gear up for a crucial Group C match against Guinea in the 2024 Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN). The must-win encounter is set to take place tonight, August 8, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The hosts are under intense pressure after a heavy 3-0 loss to Algeria in their opening game, which has put their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages in jeopardy. Guinea, on the other hand, started their campaign strongly with a narrow 1-0 victory over Niger and could secure early qualification with another win.

“We are definitely feeling the pressure,” Byekwaso admitted. “However, we have carefully reviewed our past mistakes and are completely focused on the upcoming match against Guinea. While we did beat them a few months ago, this is a different situation with a different squad. We need the full support of our fans and we ask them to believe in us.”

The coach’s plea comes after sections of the home crowd left early during the Algeria defeat, a reaction he hopes to reverse with a spirited performance against Guinea.

Third-choice captain Rogers Torach echoed the call for unity, promising a spirited response.

’’The team is fired up and focused. We know what is at stake, and we are not dwelling on the past. Everyone is ready to fight for the badge,” Torach emphasized.

Guinea’s head coach, Souleymane Camara, remains cautiously optimistic about his team’s chances.

“We are building momentum,” he said. “Uganda is dangerous at home, but we are here to win.”

The result of today’s match will not only determine Uganda’s survival in the tournament but could also shape the team’s relationship with their fans for the remainder of CHAN 2024.