09 October 2024 | Football

Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Mato has sounded a warning ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers ties against South Sudan.

In an interaction with the media after Tuesday's training session, Mato said the team is mentally and physically prepared for the match to be played on Friday night at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

"The boys are in shape and willing to give 100 per cent. We are very well prepared mentally and physically and we are ready to give in 100 per cent in these upcoming games," Mato said.

South Sudan's squad is comprised of players who play or have played in the Uganda Premier League and these include Francis Onekalit, Rashid Toha, Geriga Atendele, Rashid Okocha, Emmanuel Loki, Gadafi Wahab, Tito Okello, Francis Onekalit and Alfred Leku.

"They are [our] friends, they are brothers, they play in this [Uganda Premier] League. We respect them but the friendship will end outside the pitch but on the pitch, it is all about business.

"We want to go to the Africa Cup of Nations so, there will be no friendship and brotherhood on the pitch," Mato added.

A scorer in the qualifiers' opening match against South Africa, Mato says he is hungry for more goals as he wants his country to be proud of him.

"I still want to score for my nation, I want my family to be proud of me I want to give 100 per cent every time I'm on the national team."

The return leg will be played at Juba Stadium on Tuesday, October 15.

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