By Muhumuza Edward
All eyes will be on Namboole as the Uganda Cranes aim to book their ticket to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarterfinals in a clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Monday.
Needing only a point against South Africa in their final Group C fixture on Monday, the Cranes are on the verge of breaking a long-standing barrier, having never progressed past the group stages in their previous six attempts.
This huge milestone has been attributed largely to the resilience and tenacity in the national team especially recovering from the opening match with Algeria which the Desert Foxes dominated and cruised on with three points and three goals. The stunning recovery in the second game against Guinea is also attributed to the support by fans who have expressed unwavering support behind the cranes and of course the UGX1.2bn staked by President Yoweri Museveni for every victory the national team clinches. It’s true all these factors are at play and the Cranes now stand just 90 minutes away from securing a place in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.
The Cranes are currently top Group C with six points, following Friday’s dramatic encounters that saw both matches end in stalemates. The standings mean Uganda sit in pole position and require only a draw against South Africa to seal qualification. Algeria face Niger in Nairobi in the group’s other fixture and a win will guarantee them qualification.
Therefore, for Uganda, Monday’s game is more than just a group decider, it represents a chance to rewrite history. The Cranes have consistently stumbled at the group stage in past six CHAN editions.
Sadly, some detractors have seized this crucial moment to embark on a negative campaign to discredit the football governing body -FUFA and specifically it’s President Moses Hasim Magogo who has played an astonishing role in both attracting the tournament to Uganda but also whose ideas and able leadership has immensely facilitated football development culminating into Uganda becoming one of the hosts of the continental tournament. The detractors’ focus which should instead be on ensuring the national team progresses to the next level and beyond, is now to deviate the attention of supporters to “non-issues” with statements openly geared at demoralizing the players and supporters. The role played by Moses Magogo, the Government of Uganda through the President, the Minister for Education Hon Janet Kataha Museveni, the Parliament of Uganda led by Speaker Rt Hon Anita Among, the football fraternity -including the local football leagues, the supporters and fans, cannot be simply undermined by unpatriotic and malicious statements from individuals whose motives remain unknown.
The timing, the behavior of individuals behind this campaign and perceived result from this unnecessary noise leaves much to suspect that they don’t care about football and they have never wish good for the national team. Whatever their real motive is, I pray that it fails and that one day their evil plans are revealed.
The stakes ahead of Monday’s decider:
This time, with the support of a passionate home crowd is very important as the national team are closer than ever to achieving the long-awaited breakthrough.
South Africa, sitting third with five points, will throw everything into the contest, knowing that only a win guarantees them a spot in the last eight. Bafana Bafana will lean on their attacking flair and youthful energy, but their inability to break down Niger showed vulnerabilities that the disciplined Cranes can exploit.
Uganda, on the other hand, are likely to balance caution with ambition. A draw is enough, but a statement victory would stamp their authority as genuine contenders for the title.
Uganda Cranes need at least a draw to qualify (a win secures top spot) while South Africa must win to progress and Algeria require victory against Niger to progress. With the stakes this high, any attempt to deviate support of the fans and the players’ focus is uncalled for.
The team – The Cranes squad
The Cranes will have to do without influential midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards. His absence is a blow, but the Cranes are expected to rally behind their depth and the energy of the Namboole faithful.
Muhumuza Edward is a Ugandan, Aspiring national leader in the Patriot League of Uganda -PLU
