Uganda Government Teases Public Holiday After CHAN 2024 Quarter-Final Qualification
- The Ugandan government has hinted at rewarding citizens following the Cranes' quarter-final qualification at CHAN
- Uganda produced an incredible comeback against South Africa in their final Group C game to advance
- The co-hosts will play their quarter-final clash in Uganda on Saturday, August 23, but they have yet to discover their opponents
The Ugandan government is considering declaring a public holiday after the national football team, the Cranes, reached the quarter-final of CHAN 2024.
Source: Getty Images
Uganda secured their place in the CHAN quarter-final with an epic comeback in their final Group C match against South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
The co-hosts have reached the last eight for the first time in history and will face the runners-up from Group D.
How did Uganda Cranes reach CHAN quarter-final?
Uganda started the competition with a painful 3-0 loss to Algeria in front of their fans, but bounced back brilliantly.
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Cranes' first win came against Guinea on Friday, August 8. Goals from Reagan Mpande, Allan Okello, and Ivan Ahimbisibwe handed Uganda a comfortable win.
They defeated Niger on August 11 to register their second win, with Allan Okello and Joel Sserunjogi getting the goals.
On Monday, August 18, Uganda was heading for defeat but produced an incredible comeback to stun South Africa. Interestingly, the hosts opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Jude Ssemugabi.
However, they conceded three consecutive goals without reply. Ramahlwe Mphahlele equalised early in the second half, followed by Thabiso Kutumela and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who added two more.
Nevertheless, the story was far from over for the Uganda Cranes. Allan Okello's penalty in the 88th minute made it 3-2, before captain Rogers Torach Ochaki scored in added time to secure a draw for Uganda.
They finished top of Group C with seven points, while Algeria and South Africa both ended with six points. Bafana Bafana were eliminated on goal difference.
Source: Twitter
Uganda will face the runners-up of Group C on Saturday, August 23.
Did Ugandan government consider holiday?
The Ugandan government has supported the Cranes throughout their CHAN 2024 journey. Following their opening-game defeat, the government expressed disappointment.
After their epic comeback to secure qualification, the Ugandan government X account tweeted, "Public Holiday?" Most Ugandans welcomed it, while others were reluctant.
It remains to be seen whether Ugandans will receive the holiday, as they have several days to prepare for the quarter-final.
Kenya, Uganda's neighbour, whose team has reached the quarter-final, has offered players cash rewards, but no public holiday has been proposed by the government.
Can Uganda win CHAN 2024?
The Uganda Cranes have demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges, as shown in their victory over South Africa and their recovery after losing the opening match.
They played in the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 editions but failed to advance past the group stage.
Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal are still in the competition, so the Cranes will need their fighting spirit when they face teams like these.
They are not considered leading favourites, but their fans believe anything is possible in the knockout stage.
Did Ugandan goverment summon coach?
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that the Ugandan government summoned the Cranes coach to State House after their loss to Algeria.
The government reportedly made it clear to the coach, Morley Byekwaso, that the country had made investments to make the tournament a success.
They also made it clear to the coach that the result against Algeria was unacceptable.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
