Total Energies AFCON 2023Q
18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria
Salim Jamal Magoola and Rogers Mato Kassim are key figures of the Uganda Cranes currently in camp preparing for the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifier match with Algeria June 2023.
Jamal plays for Richards Bay FC in South African Premier Soccer League while Mato is at KCCA FC, one of Uganda’s top clubs in the country. Jamal has been a valuable player in the team for the last two matches between the posts while Mato has stepped up his game as well by knocking on the doors of the senior team regularly. Both players have not disappointed with their displays in this campaign so far. Mato scored the goal that hit Tanzania so hard in Dar Es Salaam as Uganda won 1-0 while Jamal kept a clean sheet.
FUFA media caught up with the two players in camp at the team’s base Best western Plus Hotel.
Salim Jamal on Aucho’s arrival in camp, importance of the match against Algeria and the need to be
counted
First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of life and the opportunity we have today to play soccer.
We are looking forward to the game on Sunday which is very important. 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. 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. With the main focus on qualifying, we have to do our best so that we get the points on Sunday.
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.
Rogers Mato
First of all, I thank the Almighty for the gift of life, the managers, the sponsors, and the summoned 23 players. 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. They are technical and tactically strong. We shall do whatever we can do to get the points.
This game is the one that will take us into the history books and it is very important for us to get positive points. The players, we are technically prepared.
It is always a nice feeling to score goals and I look forward to scoring for my country every time I wear the jersey.
