Uganda Cranes fans were served another dull display as Tanzania edged them in an AFCON qualifier at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia Egypt on Friday.

Despite playing away, Uganda Cranes fans got a chance to watch their side in between their busy schedules when the team sponsors MTN transmitted the match via a large screen at the ‘old taxi park’ on Friday.

Groups of fans assembled in between the Old taxi park traffic with others able to squeeze themselves onto the ‘VIP stand’ atop one of the buildings near the giant screen.

Cranes fans watch the Uganda versus Tanzania AFCON qulifier at the Old Taxi Park

There was an element of surprise for some travelers who were surprised by the development but all the same, spared a few minutes to watch the match.
Some, like we have been used to for home matches, even painted themselves in national colours and carried their vuvuzelas along.

But those who spared their time to watch for the entire 90 minutes left with the same disappointment that they have of late been accustomed to with some calling for the sacking of coach Sredojevic Micho.

Cranes fans watch the Uganda versus Tanzania AFCON qulifier at the Old Taxi Park, March 24, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

In between the taxi park traffic, they stood anxiously waiting for something to happen but they could only watch in disappointment as Tanzania snatched the win through a Simon Msuva second-half strike.

“We have unfortunately lost and now we are going to resort to prayers and hope we can beat Tanzania at their home. All the pressure is on us to beat them,” staunch Cranes supporter ‘Kamodo’ said after.

Cranes fans watch the Uganda versus Tanzania AFCON qulifier at the Old Taxi Park, March 24, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“But the team selection is also not up to scratch both in defence and attack."

Abdallah Byaruhanga reasoned that the coach should have stuck with the team that started the match instead of making quick substitutions in the second half.

“We have lost but I believe we can get revenge in Tanzania though I’m not happy as a fan. The coach panicked and made three substitutions at a go, which I think was unnecessary because they had started finding spaces in their defence, but it is what it is,” Byaruhanga mourned.

Cranes fans watch the Uganda versus Tanzania AFCON qulifier at the Old Taxi Park, March 24, 2023. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Nicholas Birangilangi also blamed Micho for the hurried substitutions, noting that gave the Tanzanians breathing space which even led to the Cranes conceding.

“The coach should give our local-based players equal opportunities on the team because our professionals have been of no help. He should blend the team with our local players,”

Deogratius Ssali opined that Coach Micho has failed to manage the team and called for improved performance in the away match.

“The team did not play well and they should improve immediately, otherwise it looks like Micho is not up to the job with such kind of displays,” Ssali noted.

Another fan said Tanzania played more maturely than the Cranes, the reason they managed to squeeze past them for the win.