CHAN: Why Uganda’s Allan Okello was stripped of captain’s armband against Guinea

Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has shed light on the surprise decision to strip Allan Okello of the captain’s armband, handing it to defender Rogers Torach during their 3-0 victory over Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Byekwaso clarified that the move was not punitive but strategic.

“We wanted to take the burden off Okello’s shoulders and give him the necessary freedom,” the coach explained.

“Allan Okello is a very talented player. For the team to perform, we need him at his best. Without the captain’s role, he looked so free, and we benefited as a team,” he added.

The decision appeared to pay off, with Okello delivering a lively performance despite also being shifted from his usual central attacking midfield position. Against Algeria, he had operated in the number ten role, but this time he was deployed out wide — a change that allowed him more space and freedom to influence the game.

Byekwaso concluded by reaffirming his support for the playmaker: “I am happy that the decision yielded positive fruits. We shall continue supporting him so that we perform well as a team”