The Uganda Cranes’ path in the CAF TotalEnergies African Nations Championship 2024 has been revealed.
On Wednesday, the draw ceremony took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, determining the teams’ fate.
Uganda, alongside neighbors Kenya and Tanzania, will host the tournament in August this year.
Prior to the draw, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda were placed in Groups A, B, and C, respectively, as top seeds.
The draw assistants included former Cranes player Hassan Wasswa, Kenya’s McDonald Mariga, and Tanzania’s Mrisho Ngasha, guided by CAF Tournaments and Events Director Samson Adamu.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim Magogo, Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, and FUFA National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala attended the draw event.
Magogo shared the story of how the idea to host continental championships in East Africa was born, emphasizing its importance to the region.
He expressed excitement about the extended preparation time, initially scheduled for February 1, which will now take place in August, six months later.
“It is a day of excitement. This was a dream that we had as the three host countries in a restaurant in Egypt. We agreed to go back to convince our respective Governments to bring the rest of Africa to East Africa.” He started.
“We know that the Tournament was meant to start on 1st February but with more six months of preparations, it even puts us in a better place and we promise CHAN will only be a starting point in hosting a memorable AFCON 2027.”
Minister Ogwang confirmed Uganda’s readiness to host both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, thanking CAF for the opportunity.
He welcomed the world to East Africa and proposed referring to both tournaments as “PAMOJA,” meaning “Together”.
The draw results placed Uganda in Group C alongside Niger, Guinea, and two teams yet to be determined (Q1 and Q2).
These teams will be selected from Algeria, South Africa, Comoros, Egypt, The Gambia, and Gabon. The other groups are:
Group B has Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
Group D comprise of defending Champions Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
The stage is set for an exciting tournament, and the Uganda Cranes are ready to face their opponents in Group C.
