Magogo rallies Uganda Cranes to make history at home CHAN

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Magogo has challenged the Uganda Cranes to make history by finally advancing past the group stages at this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

During a visit to the team’s training base at Luzira Prisons Grounds on Wednesday, Magogo expressed optimism that this could be the year Uganda breaks its group stage barrier.

“We have only missed one CHAN edition since it began in 2009, but unfortunately, we have never gone beyond the group stage,” Magogo noted. “That must change, especially now that we are playing at home.”

He highlighted the disruptions that have affected past campaigns, particularly the late changes to the squad due to player transfers. However, this time around, FUFA has devised a strategy to keep the team intact throughout the tournament.

“The biggest challenge has always been that the team which qualifies is never the same one that plays the tournament,” Magogo said. “Some players are in the process of transferring, but we’ve agreed with them to process their ITCs after CHAN, so we maintain squad consistency.”

Magogo believes that the combination of home support, better preparation, and continuity will give the Cranes the edge they need to finally make it out of the group stage.

Uganda, placed in Group C, will kick off their CHAN 2024 campaign on August 4 against Algeria at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The group also includes Guinea, Niger, and South Africa — all strong contenders.

With just weeks to go until kickoff, Magogo’s words serve as both a reminder of past shortcomings and a rallying call for the Cranes to rise to the occasion and deliver a historic performance.