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Uganda Cranes might have been eliminated from CHAN 2024 but what has the country learned ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The curtains have closed on CHAN 2024, leaving Ugandan football at a crossroads. For the Uganda Cranes and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the tournament was more than just a competition—it was a dress rehearsal for the much larger stage of AFCON 2027, which the country is set to co-host.
For the first time in six attempts, Uganda finally broke its quarterfinal jinx by advancing beyond the group stages. Sports analyst Clive Kyazze sees this as a significant turning point.
"Advancing beyond the CHAN group stages is a positive sign for Ugandan football, especially as the country prepares to host AFCON 2027," he said.
The team's progress was celebrated by fans who followed the highs and lows of the tournament. Paulo Mukatabala of FUFA praised their unwavering support: "It is also important to appreciate the fans who stood by the team despite the circumstances."
Yet, despite this milestone, the tournament also laid bare some shortcomings. Sports journalist Felix Manyindo believes the Cranes' undoing against Algeria was psychological.
"I believe the team lost due to a fear factor," he observed. "The main issue was decision-making in the final third, particularly in the game against Senegal."
CHAN a Dress Rehearsal for AFCON 2027
Still, the tournament showcased moments of individual brilliance. Beyond goal-scorer Ssemugabi, players like Allan Okello and Regan Mpande impressed, while Ahimbisibwe displayed a notable hunger on the pitch.
"You could see everyone was eager, using the opportunities to market themselves to the national team coach and on the global stage," Kyazze added.
But if CHAN was a dress rehearsal, AFCON will be the ultimate test—not just for the players, but for Uganda’s ability to deliver as a host. Organisational readiness remains a key concern.
"Looking ahead to AFCON 2027, there are still issues involving CAF, the LOC, and FUFA, which means we are not yet fully prepared," warned Mukatabala.
Kyazze agreed, noting that the very reason Uganda requested to host CHAN was to prepare for AFCON. "CAF, the LOC, and FUFA should be intentional in making 2027 a success. CHAN has painted a bigger picture of what needs to be done, as AFCON remains the biggest tournament on the continent," he said.
Infrastructure is central to these preparations. Manyindo pointed to encouraging progress in this area.
"The company that built the Hoima Stadium is the same one that constructed Kigali Arena, and they are clearly determined to deliver quality work," he noted. "What CHAN has shown us is that if Namboole can handle five teams, the pressure of AFCON will be reduced and better spread out."