Ahimbisibwe and Usama ignite fan spirit as Uganda Cranes target CHAN 2024 breakthrough at home

Where raw emotion meets national pride, the heartbeat of football lies not just in players—but in the thunderous voice of its fans. It is they who transform ordinary matches into spectacles, lifting teams with roaring passion, unwavering support, and vibrant energy from the terraces.

With the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) drawing closer, Uganda prepares to make history not just on the pitch, but in the stands too. As part of a historic tri-nation hosting alongside Kenya and Tanzania, this edition is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of East African football spirit.

Uganda Cranes forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe, a recent KCCA FC signing from URA FC, is fired up—and calling on the fans to rally behind the team.

“We’re well prepared and ready to go all in,” Ahimbisibwe said after Tuesday’s training session at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. “But without the fans, our fuel is incomplete. Their support pushes us beyond limits, and I ask Ugandans to show up in large numbers. With them around us, we can do something memorable.”

The sharp-shooting forward, who netted 16 goals last season, credits Uganda’s recent Trination Invitational Tournament in Tanzania as a vital springboard.

“Facing teams like Senegal and Tanzania showed us what to expect. It improved our understanding as a group and refined our tactical game. Now, we want to translate those lessons into success at CHAN,” he added.

Ahimbisibwe is not alone in his rallying cry.

Joining him is pacey left-footed winger Arafat Usama, a creative force from KCCA FC, who says the fans are as much a part of the team as those on the pitch.

“Fans are our extra power. They motivate us to fight even harder,” Usama shared. “It’s a blessing to be part of the final 25-man squad and I’m committed to giving everything for the team.”

Usama, known for his flair and energy on the wing, sees the CHAN 2024 campaign as both a team mission and personal challenge.

“Our goal is clear—get out of the group and push further. With belief, hard work, and fan support, we’re confident we can rise,” he asserted.

The Uganda Cranes are drawn into a highly competitive Group C alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. The West Africans from Niger have already landed in Uganda, becoming the first team to arrive ahead of kickoff.

The Cranes will launch their CHAN journey under the Namboole floodlights on Monday, 4th August against North African giants Algeria. They will later battle Guinea on Friday, 8th August, Niger on Monday, 11th August, before wrapping up the group campaign against South Africa on Monday, 18th August.

CHAN 2024 – Uganda Cranes Group C Fixtures (All at Mandela National Stadium, 8:00 PM):

Monday, 4th August: Uganda vs Algeria
Friday, 8th August: Guinea vs Uganda
Monday, 11th August: Uganda vs Niger
Monday, 18th August: South Africa vs Uganda
Now in its 8th edition, CHAN is a tournament that exclusively features players plying their trade in domestic leagues. This 2024 edition marks a landmark moment for the region, being the first to be jointly hosted by three East African nations—a sign of growing ambition and unity in the zone’s football development.

With the players ready and the nation poised, all that remains is for the fans to show up and make the difference.