Fans carry good omen for the Cranes
Jun 23, 2019
A number of fans who traveled were at the stadium to witness the 2-0 win over DR Congo.
The Cranes were not short of a fan base as Uganda dispatched DR Congo in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Cairo National Stadium on Saturday.
A number of fans who traveled were at the stadium to witness the 2-0 win over DR Congo. But even at home, many started the day dressed in Cranes jerseys and were glued to different screens in bars, pubs, and homes to witness the historic and shock victory over the more fancied Congolese side.
In Kampala, the main viewing party organised by Cranes sponsors Airtel was at the Seven Sport Lounge in Industrial Area. The pub was filled up with Cranes fans all dressed in red.
Airtel Uganda MD VG Somasekhar and head of branding and marketing Remmy Kisakye led the cheering and dancing especially after Patrick Kaddu's opening goal in the 14th minute of the match.
Cranes fans celebrate as the Cranes beat DR Congo 2-0 in the opening match of their AFCON campaign in Egypt at Seven Sport Lounge in Industrial Area, June 22, 2019
FUFA Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu was also in the house together with some other FUFA staff.
With free drinks on offer, the fans were even more energized when the Cranes scored the second through Emmanuel Okwi and when the DJ played K'naan's raise your flag song it all became crazy for the excited fans who sang and danced along.
Airtel will also fly ten more fans to Egypt this week from their Airtel Sukuma Cash promotion that has been running prior to the tournament.
This was Cranes' first win in AFCON since their 1978 finals appearance. They managed to score one goal and a point in the 1-1 draw with Ghana in the last tournament played in Gabon, in 2017.