Uganda Cranes will Thursday night confront Namibia in a Group B match at Grand Stade Marrakech, in matchday two of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) being held in Morocco.

Cranes lost the opener against Zambia 3-1 at the same venue and will have to secure maximum points in the game set to start at 10:30 pm (East Africa Time).

Their opponents Namibia beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in another group match on Sunday as Man of the match Charles Hambira rose at the near post to head home the winner on 90 minute.

Uganda head coach Sebastien Desabre believes the team can reach the knockout stage as he has cautioned his players not to relax.

“I will not change my philosophy of offensive football. My players know I need a positive reaction from them in the next two games to remain in the tournament. Attacking football calls for a compact backline’ said Frenchman Sebastien.

Cranes will miss the services of striker Muhamad Shaban will not be available for selection against Namibia.

“He is not feeling well. He injured his ankle during training. We might use him in the final group match. However we have options that will come in and do a good job”Sebastian confirmed.

On his part,Namibia’s coach Ricardo Mannetti says Uganda will be different compared to Ivory Coast and Brave Warriors’s plan is to play it safe one game at a time.

“I can see they are starting to believe in their ability. The confidence is high after winning the opening match against Ivory Coast. What we are working on is the players’ focus. They need to play with the same intensity and desire from the first match against Uganda,” Mannetti told The Namibian Sport.

After Thursday clash against Cranes,Namibia will have their final group match against Zambia, while Cranes will face Ivory Coast in Casablanca. The top two teams from Group B advance to the quarterfinals at the 2018 CHAN final.