What's Hot

    Budiope FC Eyes Glory with Local Talent and Strong Leadership as MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Kicks Off

    July 10, 2025

    Rounders hold their nerve to climb out of danger zone

    June 29, 2025

    Health Ministry Rallies Against Newborn Deaths as Uganda Marks ‘Every Baby’s First Cry’ Month

    June 28, 2025
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Busoga TodayBusoga Today
    Subscribe
    Friday, July 11
    • National
    • Kyabazinga
    • Features
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Africa
    • World
    • Sports
    • Others
      • Columnists
      • Community
      • Development
      • Districts
      • Education
      • Trends
      • Relationships
      • Society
    Busoga TodayBusoga Today
    Home » Uganda Cranes triumph over Niger, miss AFCON 2023 spot
    Sports

    Uganda Cranes triumph over Niger, miss AFCON 2023 spot

    EditorBy EditorSeptember 8, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Courtesy photo
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Kakira

    In a rollercoaster of emotions on the African football stage, Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, secured a 2-0 victory against Niger. However, this hard-fought win was not enough to secure their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Cranes’ journey in this qualifying campaign has been a mix of hope, disappointment, and some serious soul-searching.

    Going into the final group-stage match against Niger, the Cranes needed not only a win but also a loss for Tanzania, who were playing Algeria, to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament. Unfortunately for Uganda, the football gods had a different plan.

    The match against Niger saw Aziz Kayondo and Joseph Ochaya as the heroes of the day, scoring the crucial goals that kept Ugandan hopes alive. Kayondo’s well-placed cross-turned-goal gave the Cranes an early lead. Ochaya later doubled their advantage with a goal just before halftime.

    While the Cranes were busy giving their all on the pitch, events in the other group match between Algeria and Tanzania were out of their control. Algeria, who had already qualified for AFCON, faced off against Tanzania, who needed a draw to secure their place in the tournament.

    Despite Algeria’s dominance, the Taifa Stars of Tanzania held their own, defending resolutely and securing the draw they needed. Tanzania’s qualification to AFCON was met with joy and celebrations as they joined Algeria as the two teams progressing from Group F.

    The Cranes, on the other hand, found themselves reflecting on what could have been. Their AFCON campaign was marked by missed opportunities, including a crucial 1-1 draw against Niger at home. The inability to secure home wins proved to be a significant stumbling block for Uganda. With the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) still undergoing renovations, the Cranes managed to secure just one point from their three home games. This included draws and losses against Niger, Tanzania, and Algeria.

    The blame game has already begun, with questions being raised about the team’s performance and the future of head coach Micho. While the technical team may face scrutiny, the absence of home advantage due to stadium renovations remains a significant factor in Uganda’s AFCON journey.

    As Uganda watches the AFCON tournament on TV for the second time in a row, the team and its supporters are left to ponder what might have been if they could have played those crucial home games in front of their passionate fans.

    The Cranes will now shift their focus to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, slated to begin in November. Whether Micho remains at the helm and how the team adapts to these challenges will be closely watched by fans and football enthusiasts across the nation.

    In the end, Uganda’s AFCON dreams remain unfulfilled, and the nation will have to wait for another opportunity to shine on the continental stage.

    ColorRun
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Editor
    • Website

    Related Posts

    Budiope FC Eyes Glory with Local Talent and Strong Leadership as MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Kicks Off

    July 10, 2025

    Rounders hold their nerve to climb out of danger zone

    June 29, 2025

    Entebbe set to host second edition of Pearl of Africa T20 Series

    June 25, 2025

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Editors Picks
    Latest Posts

    Subscribe to News

    Get the latest news right to your inbox

    Advertisement
    Kakira

    BUSOGAtoday, hosted on www.busogatoiday.com is published by the BusogaToday Media & Publications Ltd, and aims to establish it as a community media platform that combines both legacy and modern digital media tools to deliver.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Get the latest news right in your inbox.

    © 2025 All rights reserved by Busoga Today. Designed by John Ssenkeezi.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.