Uganda Cranes striker Faruku Miya has expressed his determination to deliver victory ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Algeria on Sunday, June 18.
Due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved stadium in Uganda, the Cranes will host the Algerian team at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.
Miya, however, made it clear that playing away from home does not bother them. He declared his intention to end his goal drought in AFCON qualifiers, emphasizing the importance of this upcoming match.
“We are fully focused on this game; winning is crucial to maintain our hopes of qualifying for the AFCON finals. As a striker, I am eager to score in such an important match and create a memorable moment,” Miya stated in an interview with FUFA media on Friday, June 19, as the Cranes fine-tuned their preparations for Sunday’s showdown with Algeria.
Miya, 26, who currently plays for Çaykur Rizespor in Turkey, has not managed to score for the Cranes in this AFCON qualification campaign after four games. His last goal in the AFCON qualifiers was in 2019.
Ironically, the Cranes have only scored a meager two goals (one by Milton Karisa against Niger and one by Rogers Mato against Tanzania) as they struggle to qualify for the upcoming AFCON finals in Ivory Coast, scheduled for next year.
Currently placed in Group F alongside Algeria, Niger, and Tanzania, the Cranes are currently in third position with four points from four games.
Victory against Algeria on Sunday in Douala will keep the Cranes’ hopes for qualification alive, considering that the Algerians have already qualified as group winners.
That means the Cranes and Tanzania contest for the second slot which guarantees qualification to the AFCON Finals.
The Cranes are coming off a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in their last qualifier. KCCA FC youngster Mato scored the lone winner at the Mkapa stadium in Dar es Salaam on March 28, 2023.