Uganda to face Niger ahead of Afcon qualifier

Head coach of Uganda Cranes Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic said Thursday that his team will play away to Niger in an international friendly Sep 2 ahead of a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Ghana.

The Cranes will use the game as a rehearsal ahead of their crucial away game against the Black Stars of Ghana Sep 5, Xinhua reported.

"I am glad that we have managed to secure this build-up to take place in Naimey because it will give us a West African feel before we face Ghana," the coach said.

He added that he expects some of his professional players from South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Portugal to travel for the friendly match.

"After the game in Naimey, we shall continue with the players' assessment process as well as acclimatisation to the West African weather," the coach said.

Sredojevic said he will start training with the home based players starting Monday before flying out to Niger Sep 1.

Niger are also preparing for their Group F matches in the Afcon qualifier. They are pooled along side Cape Verde, Mozambique and former African champions Zambia.