Mato hopeful of facing Botswana after injury scare

Rogers Mato is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be fit to face Botswana with the Uganda Cranes next month after an injury scare during Heart of Midlothian’s 2-2 draw with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.

The Ugandan winger was forced off in the 32nd minute at Tynecastle Park after going down near the Rangers penalty area with a muscle problem, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers.

But Mato remains optimistic, insisting that he is feeling well as he awaits further assessment from Hearts’ medical team.

Speaking to CK Sports after the match, he explained that soreness in his calves prevented him from continuing.

“It’s just my Achilles is sore, my ankles are sore, sorry, my calves are sore, so I couldn’t stretch it any more further because I think it would have been bad if I stretched it,” Mato said.

“But also, with the physios tomorrow, we’ll see what they say, but it’s, I’m good.”

Mato was replaced by Stephen Kingsley in the 33rd minute after the medical staff determined that he could not continue.

Hearts coach Wouter Vrancken later said it was too early to establish the extent of the problem, with examinations and scans needed before a clearer picture could emerge. Mato, however, felt he had made the right decision to come off rather than risk aggravating the injury.

The timing is a concern for Uganda, with Mato named in the 30-man Cranes squad for the double-header against Botswana on November 14 and 17.

Asked whether he expected to be ready for the first match, the winger remained hopeful.

“Hopefully we’ll see tomorrow with the physios and what comes out, but inshallah I’ll be there, I’ll be there inshallah,” he said.

Mentality key to adapting

Away from the injury concern, Mato also reflected on his recent experience playing in different positions for Hearts, including left-back and right-back.

For a player more familiar with attacking roles, switching positions requires adjustments, but Mato believes the biggest challenge is getting the right mindset.

“It’s just mentality; you have to change your mentality, and it’s the same position,” he said.

“You just have to, as I said, the mentality to say to them in this position tomorrow I’m in that position, so you just need to change your mentality to know where you’re playing, what role you’re playing and what you have to give the team in that role.”

His willingness to adapt offers Hearts another option, although Uganda will be hoping to have him available in his attacking role when the Cranes face Botswana.

Mato’s pace and direct running make him a dangerous option on the flanks, while his ability to deliver in important moments has already proved valuable for the national team.

He scored a late winner against Tanzania and a crucial equaliser against Tunisia, underlining his capacity to influence games when Uganda need him most.

His experience in Scotland with Hearts also gives the Cranes an attacker accustomed to the physical demands and tactical discipline of European football.

Two games before Cranes duty

Before turning his attention to the national team, Mato faces two away assignments with Hearts that will test his recovery.

Hearts visit Dundee United on October 31 in the Scottish Premiership before travelling to Switzerland to face FC Thun in the UEFA Conference League on November 5.

His progress during that period will be important as Uganda prepares for the two encounters against Botswana.

The Cranes will be waiting for the medical assessment, while Mato remains hopeful that the injury will not keep him out of the international assignment.

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