FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo has expressed confidence in the Uganda Cranes’ readiness for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, insisting that the team has received the best possible preparation and is poised to finally break its group stage jinx.
Speaking on Capital Gang, Magogo acknowledged that Uganda faces a tough challenge in Group C, which includes highly ranked Algeria. He, however, reminded Ugandans that the Cranes have a history of upsetting giants.
“Algeria is the highest-ranked team in our group. Their clubs reach the finals of African club competitions, so we must respect them. But we have beaten Algeria before. At this level, what separates teams are very tiny details,” Magogo said.
Uganda has only missed one CHAN edition since the tournament began in 2009 but has never progressed beyond the group stage. Magogo believes this could be the year to change that narrative.
The Cranes have spent months in camp and played trial matches, including a morale-boosting 1-1 result against Senegal in Tanzania. Magogo also confirmed that the players are highly motivated, with improved pay and performance bonuses.
“We have given the team the best preparation. They are properly paid, motivated, and ready to go. We lost three players along the way due to eligibility changes, but I believe in the squad we have,” he noted.
Magogo also linked the CHAN tournament to Uganda’s bigger football ambitions as the country gears up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
“This tournament is a precursor to AFCON 2027. It may look like we missed out on hosting the opening ceremony or final, but it gives us a better opportunity for the bigger one,” he said. “Hosting such a tournament changes mindsets and creates opportunities. We are bringing in 24-camera production, VAR, and electronic advertising boards—this will leave a legacy.”
The FUFA President credited President Yoweri Museveni for facilitating the hosting of major football competitions, noting that government guarantees are essential for such events.
Uganda opens its CHAN campaign with renewed belief that the combination of solid preparation, government backing, and home-region experience could finally propel the Cranes beyond the group stage.
Group C Fixtures (All at Namboole Stadium, Uganda)
Monday, 4th August 2025:
Uganda vsGuinea (Opening Group C Match)
Thursday, 7th August 2025:
Algeria vs South Africa
Monday, 11th August 2025:
Guinea vsSouth Africa
Friday, 15th August 2025:
Uganda vsAlgeria