Written By | Our Reporter
File: Uganda's Travis Mutyaba against Tanzania. Uganda, making their third appearance at the continental showpiece, made a poor start in Group C
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The national senior men’s football team, the Uganda Cranes, have on several occasions found themselves in mathematical situations at international competitions, whether during qualification campaigns or at tournament finals.
The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is no different for the Paul Put-coached side, as they once again face a complex set of calculations in their quest to progress.
Uganda, making their third appearance at the continental showpiece since ending a 40-year absence in 2017, made a poor start in Group C. The Cranes lost 3–1 to Tunisia before settling for a 1–1 draw against CECAFA rivals Tanzania. With their final Group C match against Nigeria looming, hopes of qualifying from the group stage now appear extremely slim.
Aziz Kayondo against Tanzania
On paper, the Uganda Cranes are virtually eliminated and face an uphill task against Nigeria, who have already qualified for the next round after securing an electrifying 3–2 victory over Tunisia.
Historically, however, Uganda has fared well against the Super Eagles. In their last four meetings, Uganda have won twice, while Nigeria have managed only one victory. However, all those encounters were either AFCON qualifiers or international friendlies, not matches at the AFCON finals.
Nigerian fans have since taken to social media to taunt the Uganda Cranes, an indication that they are aware they are facing a side against which they have struggled in the past.
Nevertheless, Uganda cannot dwell on history as they prepare for a decisive encounter against a far more fancied Nigerian side, which is chasing continental glory that has eluded the three-time champions for the past 12 years, since their last triumph in 2013.
Uganda's Travis Mutyaba against Tanzania
Having also missed out on qualification for the FIFA World Cup, Nigeria appear determined to reclaim their status and bragging rights on the African continent.
The Eric Chelle-coached Super Eagles are among the most star-studded teams at the Morocco edition, boasting world-class talent from Europe’s top leagues. Their squad includes defenders Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes) and Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto); midfielders Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas) and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio); and forwards Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams (Sevilla), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Moses Simon (Paris Saint-Germain).
Uganda will rely on experienced players such as goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Isaac Muleme, captain Khalid Aucho, Timothy Awany and Salim Magoola for AFCON experience, having all featured in the 2017 and 2019 tournaments. The team will also depend heavily on young talents Allan Okello, James Bogere, Travis Mutyaba, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Aziz Kayondo to provide energy and creativity.
The Uganda Cranes squad has further evolved with the inclusion of UK-born players Baba Al Hassan, Lorenzen Melvyn, Toby Sibbick and Jordan Obita.
Uganda would have been in a far better position had they defeated Tanzania, but the 1–1 draw proved costly. Allan Okello missed a penalty that could have secured all three points and significantly altered the qualification picture.
Following the match, Okello and Aziz Kayondo took to social media to express determination ahead of the Nigeria showdown.
“Disappointed with yesterday’s result, but that is behind us. The focus is now on the last group game. I am very grateful for all your support,” Okello posted.
For now, Uganda are not yet officially eliminated from the AFCON in Morocco. However, qualification would require a win over Nigeria by more than three goals and a 1–0 victory for Tanzania over Tunisia—an extremely difficult mathematical equation.
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