Kampala
As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, which did not qualify for the tournament, is rallying behind its neighbors Tanzania. Tanzania’s national football team is set to compete in Group F, facing Morocco, Zambia, and DR Congo. Ugandan football supporters and players, including Uganda captain Khalid Aucho, have expressed their support for Tanzania in the AFCON. Despite not qualifying for the competition themselves, Ugandans are extending their backing to Tanzania, considering them as regional representatives in the tournament. Grace Nabachwa, a football supporter in Kampala, emphasized the importance of supporting Tanzania, stating that they are carrying the regional flag in Cote d’Ivoire. Uganda captain Khalid Aucho, who plays for Young Africans SC in the Tanzania Premier League, wished Tanzania all the best and assured them of Ugandan prayers. Even though Tanzania qualified for the AFCON at Uganda’s expense, the sentiment among Ugandan football fans is to back their neighbors. Fans like Fred Musaasizi and Josephine Adoch emphasized the commonality between the two nations and their shared footballing zone. Former Uganda striker Mujib Kasule also voiced his support for Tanzania, urging them to approach each match as a final. While Ethiopia and Sudan from the CECAFA Zone are the only teams to have won AFCON titles, Ugandans are united in supporting Tanzania’s journey in the prestigious African football tournament. As the AFCON unfolds, Ugandans are finding a shared sense of solidarity and camaraderie with their Tanzanian neighbors on the football field.
