Uganda Cranes Top Group C, Set For High-Stakes Battle Against South Africa

By Gad Masereka

The Ministry of Education and Sports has assured the public of full preparedness ahead of Uganda Cranes’ crucial encounter with South Africa in the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the ministry spokesperson, Dr. Denis Mugimba, underscored the significance of the fixture, noting that the outcome will determine whether Uganda secures a spot in the quarter-finals.

Uganda, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, has so far staged five match days since the competition kicked off on August 2. Group C, which has been based in Uganda, features Algeria, Guinea, Nigeria, South Africa and the hosts.

With each team having played at least three games, Uganda currently tops the group with six points after winning two matches, followed closely by Algeria and South Africa, who are both on five points.

The match between Uganda and South Africa, scheduled for Monday evening at Namboole Stadium, is expected to draw a record crowd. Dr. Mugimba revealed that enthusiasm for tickets has been overwhelming, with all seats for Monday’s fixture sold out by Friday evening.

According to Mugimba, on average, more than 34,000 fans have turned up for each Uganda game, underlining the home team’s strong support base.

However, he cautioned against the growing circulation of fake and duplicated tickets. “All CHAN 2024 tickets in Uganda are sold exclusively online. Anyone purchasing physical tickets is either buying fake or duplicated ones. Such tickets pose a security risk, and offenders will face the full force of the law,” Dr. Mugimba said.

He also urged fans to report illegal ticket sales to the nearest police station and advised those who unknowingly purchase counterfeits to cooperate with stadium stewards if denied entry.

Dr. Mugimba expressed appreciation to Ugandans for their unwavering support, particularly those who turned out to watch matches involving Algeria, Guinea, Nigeria and South Africa in the earlier rounds.

He further urged fans to maintain the same energy as Uganda faces South Africa in what he described as a defining moment for the team.

“As a country, we are proud of the Cranes’ performance so far. Tomorrow’s match is historic because a positive result guarantees us a place in the quarter-finals. We call on every Ugandan to stand behind the team,” he said.

Kick-off is at 8 p.m. at Namboole Stadium, with Ugandans across the country expected to follow the game either at the venue, through fan parks, or via broadcast.

The Cranes’ faithful will be hoping that home advantage and passionate support can propel the team into the next stage of the continental tournament.