By Swalley Kenyi
and Norman Katende

THE Uganda Cranes launched their 2012 AFCON qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Palancras Negras of Angola. The fans told Vision Sport what they thought.

Dr. James Sekajugo, former FUFA interim chairman:
“Three goals, three points is fantastic. The players have made it. Our team tactics has improved. Each player has improved their game. But FUFA should ensure the team stays together longer than they have been.”

Mario Dias, Angolan Basketball player
“After wiping off tears that rolled down his cheeks, Palancras Negra’s fan Dias cursed in poor English: your goalkeeper (Onyango) is bad but he will see us. I paid $600 (sh1.2m) to travel for the match and that (3-0) is all have got. Anyway your grass is also bad.”

Geoffrey Kulubya, Bukedde Editor
“Football being what it is and this win does not mean we have made it. Uganda has always got it wrong. But if FUFA can avoid confusion this time round and keep focus, we can qualify for the Nations Cup.”

Lawyer Richard Omongole
“(Dennis) Onyango and Kayizzi made my day. But (Ibrahim) Sekagya remains the best defender in Africa. We did not allow them (Angola ) to play their fast game but our (Cranes) midfield was shaky.”

Patrick Isiagi, former FUFA treasurer
“It was a big win and I give credit to FUFA. Our boys over powered Angola and closed their wings so they ( Angola) were lost. Guinea Bisau is a soft target so Kenya is the only team to beat now and that requires their best form.

Kampala Metropolitan Police commander Andrew Sorowen
“We have a good coach (Robert Williamson) and sponsorship. So FUFA should use the money optimally and get all the professional players for matches in time. We have seen what they have showed and yet they converged late.”

Godfrey Lubega, Rally driver
The win is a clear reflection of solidarity in the team. Let the players, FUFA, technical team and fans keep the spirit.

MEANWHILE, Uganda Cranes' fans are determined to travel to Nairobi in numbers for the fixture against Kenya.

“We have been losing away games because we do not have enough fans in the stadium,” said one of the fans, who were excited by Uganda’s performance at Namboole.

The trip to Nairobi costs about sh120,000 by road and about sh500,000 by air depending on which travel agents are organising the trip.