FLASH BACK: The night Uganda’s CHAN 2022 dream ended in heartbreak

Uganda’s dream of finally reaching the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2023 ended in heartbreak and with it, the spotlight turned sharply on head coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojević.

The Cranes entered their final group game in Algeria sitting top of the table with four points, needing only a draw against Ivory Coast to progress for the first time in six attempts. Optimism was high.

Even on a night when Arsenal and Manchester United clashed in the English Premier League, Ugandan fans still found time to tune in, hopeful that history would be made.

But those hopes quickly faded. The Elephants, bottom of the group heading into the tie, stunned Uganda with a 2-1 first-half lead—a result that ended the Cranes’ campaign and reignited fierce criticism of Micho.

On social media, fans vented their frustration.

“The same Micho who can’t get us out of a CHAN group is supposed to take us to the 2026 World Cup? We’re just a joke,” one supporter lamented.

Others questioned his tactics, accusing him of negative football, poor squad selections, and failure to maximize the nation’s attacking talent. Even after Uganda’s earlier win over Senegal, fans had grumbled about his approach.

By full-time, the calls were loud and unrelenting: FUFA should part ways with Micho. Some supporters even went as far as suggesting the Serbian coach should not be allowed back in Kampala.

“Uganda is reaping sour fruits from a visionless football office,” one fan wrote. “Resignation should start from the top. The taxpayer deserves better.”

The night was meant to be historic—a breakthrough after years of early exits. Instead, it became another painful reminder of Uganda’s struggles on the continental stage, and the widening disconnect between the Cranes faithful and their coach.