Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango wants the fight shown in Tunisia to carry into Tuesday’s meeting with Libya in Hoima.
Uganda drew 1-1 at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès on Thursday, after Adem Arous scored for Tunisia in the 12th minute.
Rogers Mato equalised in the 68th minute, giving Uganda a point from their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Onyango said the players understood what was required after falling behind in a difficult away fixture.
“The message was clear, the boys had to fight,” he said. “The coach spoke to them, and they spoke among themselves.”
Onyango credited the whole squad and support staff for pushing the team towards a result in Radès.
“We knew Tunisia was a very difficult place to come and get a result,” Onyango said. “We thank God we managed to get a draw.”
The captain felt Uganda could have prevented Tunisia’s goal, but valued the response it brought from his teammates.
“We could have done better with the goal we conceded,” he said. “It was a wake-up call that we cannot make mistakes in a game like this.”
Onyango praised the second-half effort, particularly Uganda’s equaliser and their work to protect the point afterwards.
“The fight was there in the second half, we got the equaliser and defended our goal very well,” he said. “That is the fighting spirit we need from this team.”
The performance also showed how newer players are finding their place alongside experienced members of the squad.
“For some of the boys, this was their first game for the national team, but they showed they are willing to fight for the flag,” Onyango said.
Libya arrive with their own comeback behind them after drawing 2-2 with Botswana at 11 June Stadium in Tripoli.
Tumisang Orebonye scored twice before half-time, but Maruwan Alhibeeshi replied in the 87th minute for Libya.
Ezoo El Mariamy completed the recovery with a penalty six minutes into stoppage time.
Both opening matches showed how quickly mistakes can change a result, a lesson Onyango wants Uganda to carry into Tuesday.
“It is a game of margins. We made one mistake and they punished us; they made one mistake and we punished them,” he said.
Uganda have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, making these fixtures an opportunity to build towards the tournament.
Onyango believes the first Cranes match at Hoima City Stadium can help that effort if supporters turn out in force.
“We want the fans to come in big numbers because the 12th man is very important for the team and the country,” he said.
“It will not be easy, but having them in the stadium gives us extra motivation.”
Uganda host Libya on Tuesday, September 29, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00pm East African Time.