Skipper Okello says fans can push Uganda Cranes to CHAN glory

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African Nations Championship

Group C: Uganda v Algeria (8pm)

Uganda Cranes captain Allan Okello has called on fans to rally behind the team as they kick off their 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign against Algeria.

The match is scheduled for Monday, August 4, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Okello, 24, who plays as an attacking midfielder, will lead Uganda in what will be their seventh appearance at the CHAN tournament.

He believes the team is united and ready to chase a historic victory.

“Being captain is a gift, but on the field, everyone has to act like a leader and know what to do. We’re ready and need to play our hearts out. Every player wants to be part of making history, so we’ll all do our best,” Okello said.

Uganda will be facing Algeria for the second time in CHAN history. Their first meeting was in 2011 in Khartoum, where Uganda lost 2-0. Algeria were runners-up in the last tournament and are again expected to pose a tough challenge.

The Cranes are keen to get off to a stronger start this time. Okello is confident that the team has taken lessons from their recent matches, including the 2-1 loss to Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which was also played at Namboole.

“We played them in the World Cup qualifiers and lost, but we learned from our mistakes, so we can’t mess up again. We need to make history in front of our fans, and we're ready,” Okello mentioned.

The captain stressed the importance of fan support.

“You might get tired, but when you hear everyone cheering you on, you keep going. So, we need fans to pack Namboole and all the games. Together, we can go far.”

Uganda has featured in every CHAN tournament since 2011, though they have yet to progress beyond the group stage.

This year, Uganda are in Group C alongside Algeria, with all their matches being played at home.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are co-hosting the tournament for the first time under the name “PAMOJA 2024”.

Uganda has played 18 CHAN matches, winning only twice – against Burkina Faso in 2014 and Senegal in 2022.

The Cranes have generally struggled in their tournament openers, recording only one win (in 2014), three draws and two losses. Those defeats came against Algeria and Zambia.

Algeria has performed strongly against East African sides, defeating both Uganda and Ethiopia. They have also drawn with and lost to Sudan in previous encounters.