CHAN 2023: Uganda vs DRC, Desabre vs Micho, how-to-watch, Cranes target

Background

The championship is reserved for players plying their trade domestically and Uganda is competing at the finals for the sixth time in the seven editions of the competition missing the inaugural.

However, Uganda Cranes have never made it out of the group in the last consecutive appearances and will be looking to break the duck at the sixth attempt.

On the other hand, DRC have won the CHAN title in 2016 and 2018 becoming the first country to win two consecutive trophies. Therefore, anything less than a trophy will be deemed as failure for DRC while for the Cranes, the target is to get out of the group stage.

Desabre vs Micho

Sebastien Desabre, head coach of the Leopards led Uganda Cranes at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after taking charge of the team for two years. He made his mark lifting the Cranes team to the round of 16 where they lost 1-0 to Senegal. He transformed Uganda to an attacking prowess with an expressive style of play.

Similarly, Micho led Uganda Cranes to the Afcon finals in 2017 for the first time in over three decades. He adopts an aggressive defensive game that frustrates opponents.

What Micho says

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Micho kept his cards close to his chest noting that he has a lot of information about his opponents.

“After three weeks of preparations, it is now time to deliver and do better than before. The players are in the right shape and we hope victory will come our way on Saturday”.

“Every game in the Group in crucial but to win the first game is important. It helps boost confidence going into the next games.”

What captain says

Captain Milton Karisa speaking to the media noted that the task is to progress past group stage.

“We are ready both mentally and physically. Everyone on the team is pushing towards making ourselves and the country proud. The ultimate target is to go beyond the group stages, a thing we have not done in the past.”

How to watch

The match will be live on national broadcaster UBC TV

Venue

Stade 19th May 1956

Saturday, 14th January 2023

Kickoff: 7PM (EAT)