Danito NSUBUGA
The Uganda Cranes will be seeking to qualify for the knock-out stages of the biannual tournament for the first time, having failed to reach the feat on 7 occasions despite not missing out on any edition since it’s inception in 2009.
Uganda have a massive opportunity to reach the quarterfinals, and it is in their hands needing only victory in their final group C game against South Africa on Monday.
Here are a few highlights and lessons we have picked from Uganda’s three matches played so far.
THE FANS ARE VERY IMPORTANT
Following the 3-0 humbling at the hands of Algeria, many fans left Namboole cursing and swearing never to return for the remaining fixtures of the Cranes. Perhaps they were more hungry than angry because not many Ugandan football followers expected the Cranes to beat Algeria in the first place, judging by the past results between the two sides. Many arrived at the stadium after midday and expected to find food and refreshments as it is always the norm at Namboole, to their disappointment, there was nothing close to that and security could not allow anyone with food or refreshments access the stadium.
Matters were made worse when Algeria annihilated the Cranes, and the hunger coupled with the anger led into exasperation.
The love for their team, however, drove them back and returned in full attendance and threw their overwhelming support behind the team, rose their spirits for 90+ minutes. Result, a commanding 3-0 victory for the Cranes over Guinea.
FUFA should pick a lesson that for the upcoming Cranes’ games, the fees should remain modest and affordable for everyone so that the team is never short of the imperative support.
MUTAKUBWA REDEMPTION
One of the most senior members of the squad was made a scapegoat for Cranes’ huge loss against Algeria, and many castigated him for his part in the build-up to Algeria’s succulent 3rd goal. He was also guilty of failure to command his defence when Algeria scored their opener from a set piece.
In fact, many sources reported that he was among the dropped band in Morley Byekwaso’s attempt to restore parity in the line up to face Guinea. The initial squad sheets released indicated that Vipers’ Denis Kiggundu had taken the nod over Mutakubwa, but a late turn of events saw him restored into his number one role.
Since then, he has produced two man of the match performances despite only one being officially recognised by the CAF technical committee, and he left with the accolade against Niger.
ALLAN OKELLO THRIVES BETTER ON THE WINGS
He had a very torrid time against Algeria in the first 45 minutes, operating as a number 10, but when switched to play on the right-hand side, Okello showed glimpses of his potential
Against Guinea, it’s where he was employed and thrived there, shining more than anyone else in Uganda’s lineup. The Vipers star man, however, proved to be lacking in leadership after he was stripped of the captaincy role, which was handed to his Vipers teammate Torach, who looked very comfortable with it.
THE POWER OF OPPORTUNITY
The changes rung by Byekwaso following the Algeria disaster saw a change in tide and ownership of places on the team.
The biggest beneficiary of all being SC Villa wingman Reagan Mpande, whose stock has risen a hundred fold in this tournament. Not many fans knew him before shining against Guinea, and he maintained the grip on his position further during the successive victory over Niger on Monday.
Mpande took over from Villa teammate Patrick Jonah Kakande, who has now been used on cameo appearances from the bench.
Another man who grabbed his opportunity by the neck is Hilary Mukundane, who has also become a mainstay in the team. Anold Odong did not do any harm, but for now, he will have to settle for a place on the bench. Need i have to mention Herbert Achai? He hasn’t stepped a foot wrong since taking over from another Odong.
JOEL SERUNJOGI WILL BE MISSED
Uganda’s unsung hero by a country mile. The heart beat of the Cranes’ midfield will be suspended for the crucial meeting against South Africa but Byekwaso has to assess whether youngster Elvis Ngonde did enough when he came on for Enock Sebaggala to warrant a starting berth against South Africa.
He produced some glances of his potential but was caught in possession on so many occasions. Ngonde has the ability and talent to stand in for the suspended Serunjogi.
WATAMBALA DESERVES MORE CREDIT
His experience having featured at the CHAN stage before has been priceless for the team. Abdul Karim Watambala started on the peripherals, but when called upon, he yielded the necessary goods.
Produced a perfectly timed pass to Ivan Ahimbisibwe to score his famous goal and also played a very key role in the build-up to Joel Serunjogi’s goal against Niger.
He will be very important if Uganda are to scrape through past South Africa on Monday.
