Two teams that were on the losing side in their Africa Cup of Nations' opening matches - Uganda and Tanzania - will go head-to-head on Saturday at Stade El Barid in Rabat.
A defeat for either side could mean an early exit from Africa’s most prestigious tournament, and both will be keen to avoid that situation.
The Cranes of Uganda did not enjoy the best start to their Africa Cup of Nations, owing to their 3-1 loss to Tunisia in the first game of the competition.
Facing the prospect of early elimination from the tournament, Paul Put’s men will be eager to get past their Tanzanian counterparts on Saturday, but their form suggests otherwise.
Their loss against Tunisia makes it their third defeat in four matches across all competitions, with only one win in that run.
The picture is even more grim as far as AFCON is concerned, having lost six of their last nine fixtures in the competition.
Going into this encounter, the Ugandans will be looking to avoid three straight defeats for the first time since November 2023.
Besides that, a loss would be detrimental to their chances of advancing, given that Nigeria awaits them in their final group game.
Nevertheless, they will fancy their chances against opponents that are struggling to hit the right form.
Indeed, Tanzania have struggled in recent times, failing to win in eight consecutive matches in all competitions (D2, L6), with their last five matches ending in defeat.
Their loss to Nigeria on Tuesday extended their wait for a maiden victory at the AFCON after 10 matches, which includes three draws and seven beatings.
One has to go back to early August for the last victory of Hemed Suleiman’s team, which was a narrow 2–1 win over Madagascar.
Although with four goals scored across their last two fixtures, including one against Nigeria in their last outing, the Taifa Stars have found an attacking edge, having fired blanks in their previous three encounters.
Nevertheless, there is still a lot to be done, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches, and they have conceded 12 goals in that run.
Uganda possible starting lineup:
Magoola; Sibbick, Torach, Obita, Kayondo; Ssemugabi, Semakula, Aucho, Mato; Lorenzen, Mukwala
Tanzania possible starting lineup:
Foba; Kapombe, Mwamnyeto, Hamad, Hussein; Mirishi, Msanga; Msuva, M’Mbobwa, Allarkhia; Samatta
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