Uganda Cranes captain Allan Okello has indicated a perfect start is what they are dreaming of ahead of the clash against Algeria on Monday at Mandela National Stadium.
The Cranes, one of the co-hosts of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, open their campaign against the Desert Foxes under the floodlights at Namboole.
Okello asserts that it is very important to win the first game at a tournament because it calms the nerves and helps you to gain confidence.
“We are ready as players and come into the game against Algeria thinking about three points. We need to win behind our fans and hopefully, they will be here to cheer us on,” said Okello.
Asked about his role as a captain and how he has been able to lead his troops, Okello indicated everyone is working towards a similar goal, which is to rewrite Uganda’s history at CHAN.
“Being a leader is a blessing from God; however, on the pitch, everyone must be a leader to know what should be done. We are more than ready; we need to give it our best. Every player wants to make history for the first time, so everyone will give their best,” Okello stated.
“We played them (Algeria) in the World Cup qualifiers and lost, but we learned from our mistakes, so there’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans, so we are prepared.”
Okello will be one of the key players for Uganda at the tournament and will hope to extend his fine form at club to the national team.
The creative midfielder was the top scorer of the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League with 19 goals, helping his club, Vipers SC, to win a domestic double (League and Uganda Cup).
Uganda is in Group C alongside Algeria, Niger, Guinea and South Africa.