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Mukwala, who plays for Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League, insists that the fixtures will make or break Uganda’s chase for their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
Uganda's striker Steven Mukwala has urged the Uganda Cranes to throw the kitchen sink at their crucial 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash against neighbours Tanzania.
The Cranes play Tanzania in back to back qualifiers, with Uganda hosting the first meeting on Friday, March 28 at the Suez Canal Stadium, in Ismailia.
Mukwala, who plays for Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League, insists that the fixtures will make or break Uganda’s chase for their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
"Our double clash against Tanzania means everything to us," Mukwala told Daily Monitor after linking up with the rest of the squad in Cairo from his club in Ghana.
"We need six points against our East African rivals to increase our hopes for qualification given the fact that we sit bottom of the group."
Uganda lost 2-0 to Algeria and drew goalless with Niger at home, leaving them rooted at the bottom of Group F on just one point.
As a result, the Cranes are aware that they have limited margin for error and need to win both matches against Tanzania to increase their chances of qualifying for the AFCON tournament.
Despite this, Mukwala remains confident in his team's abilities, saying, "The squad at the camp is extremely talented.”
“We have both young and experienced players who can do a profound job. I am very confident that we shall give our best to get the desired results," he said.
Mukwala is in fine form for Kotoko, where he has scored 10 goals overall, eight of which were scored in the league, and five assists.
The former URA striker is hoping to bring his good form to the Uganda Cranes attack against Tanzania, competing for a place against captain Emmanuel Okwi and Fahad Bayo.
"So far so good at the club. It started gradually with lots of challenges but with time I adapted and gained lots of confidence," Mukwala explained.
"And it feels good to be called up to represent Uganda at the AFCON qualifiers (again). It makes me feel appreciated and my hard work is not in vain."
The Uganda Cranes are playing their home match from Ismailia, Egypt, because the only decent stadium in the country, St Mary's Kitende, failed to meet CAF required standards to host the game.
Uganda and Tanzania are currently camping in Cairo before connecting to Ismailia, some 128 kilometres away, for the clash due on Friday.
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