CRUNCH TIME AS CHAN REACHES DECISIVE GROUP STAGE FINAL DAY

17 August 2025 – A rollercoaster of emotions awaits fans of South Africa, Uganda and Algeria in the African Nations Championship when their tightly contested group reaches its climax on Monday night.

Group C will be decided on the final day on Monday, 18 August 2025 and after the dust has settled, leaders Uganda (six points), second-placed Algeria (five points) and third-placed South Africa (five points) will know whether they are progressing to the knockout stages or going home.

With the group balanced on a knife edge, the South Africans face the hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium while Algeria and Niger had to travel from Kampala to Nairobi, Kenya, this weekend ahead of their equally decisive final group match at Nyayo National Stadium. Kick-off is at 19h00 (South Africa time) for both matches.

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki said they simply have to beat the hosts Uganda if they are to remain in control of their own destiny in the business end of the group stages of this continental tournament.

“Things will be very interesting for all the teams that will be playing tomorrow. We as South Africa are fully aware that if we are to go to the next stage of this tournament, it is a must-win game tomorrow as much as it’s a must-win game for Uganda,” he said.

“In terms of our technical approach to this game, we are fully aware of the demands and expectations, the mental side of it in terms of how we carry ourselves going into this game, and the technical preparations. We have seen all the (top three) teams playing three matches and in the three matches, there were technical changes made in terms of player selection and the approach.”

A huge crowd is expected at the Mandela National Stadium and Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama said the players have to be mentally prepared for the atmosphere that will greet them in such a crucial match against the host nation.

“As the coach has said, tomorrow is not going to be an easy one for us. But we are aware of everything and what we should expect, especially tomorrow. As South Africa, we need to win the game so that we can go through. Uganda also have to beat us to go through. So, it’s not going to be an easy one, but we’ve got to fight. We are ready and we need to be mentally prepared, which is one of the most important things for tomorrow’s game.”