Wednesday 14.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT DR Congo vs Uganda Cranes (International Friendly)
Sunday 18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria 9Total Energies AFCON 2023Q)
The sight of Fahad Bayo in the Uganda Cranes training sessions gives every Ugandan fan the belief that the country is ready for battle on the field.
Bayo is a Ugandan professional footballer currently playing for MFK Vyškov in the Czech Republic National Football League. However, his attention is now on the National team-Uganda with two matches to be played this week. Bayo knows that his adoring fans around the world, more so to those back home in Uganda and his home region West Nile would like to see him score on Sunday against Algeria.
Bayo says that mentality will play a key role in the game against Algeria to keep the fire burning in the TotalEnegries AFCON Qualifiers 2023.
“We know what is at stake but the mentality at this stage from everyone in camp must be at its finest. It is not an easy stage as the young players will need guidance to manage such pressure moments but we are confident” said Bayo as he talked to FUFA Media in Douala, Cameroon where the team is camped.
Bayo is never shy in front of goal as he scored two crucial winners against Rwanda during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers but also netted a poacher’s goal when the Uganda Cranes played Kenya in the same campaign.
Bayo who looks extremely sharp in training in Douala is yet to find the back of the net this campaign (AFCON Qualifiers 2023) but he says he is well aware that strikers are judged by what they do to the back of the net during the match.
“It is not easy for strikers. My job is to score goals. If I don’t score it hits me but I need to remain mentally strong. I will score goals. It is all about keeping the faith and more hard work.” added Bayo.
With DR Congo coming up on Wednesday afternoon in an international friendly, Bayo takes time to highlight the importance of this game.
“It is a perfect match to help us try out so many things but we are also getting close to what the coach needs us to deliver against Algeria” noted Bayo who is part of the 22 players currently in camp.
Of all the players in camp, two of them Joseph Ochaya and Gavin Kizito are nursing injuries that need assessment by the medical team.
Ismail Mugulusi reported on Monday night and was able to train with the rest of the team while Khalid Aucho flies in on Wednesday afternoon.
