AFCONQ 2023: Ugandans hold less hope ahead of crunch Niger qualifier

Ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger on Thursday, Uganda Cranes are in a difficult position of making it to the finals in Ivory Coast.

With just four points in third in Group F and three adrift of runners-up Tanzania, who take on leaders Algeria, victory and prayers are needed for Uganda Cranes to qualify for the big stage.

Ahead of the match in Morocco, Ugandan fans do not carry a lot of optimism, with many already saying that the Cranes will miss the continent's biggest showpiece.

Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic's charges need goals, hoping that Tanzania suffers defeat in Algeria, but a section of the Cranes fans don't feel the team has enough goals in them to pull it off.

Others feel the best Uganda can do is a draw, which will ultimately eliminate them from contention.

Many others are optimistic that Uganda will win, but won't make it to the continent, as Tanzania may have just enough to avoid defeat.

Despite the general pessimism, it's clear that every Ugandan wishes for the country to return to the continent, having missed out in the past two editions.