In 2011, Uganda made their debut appearance at then second edition of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan.
Unfortunately, placed in Group A alongside hosts Sudan, Algeria and Gabon, Uganda Cranes lost all matches and left with only one goal to the good scored by Ibrahim Sadam Juma in the 2-1 defeat to Gabon.
Ayub Kisalita, then playing for Bunamwaya (current Vipers) was part of the squad and relives the moment.
“I had played in several Cecafa youth tournaments but the CHAN was a different case,” he narrates in an interview with Sanyuka Prime TV.
“First, the excitement of being part of the squad was high as I didn’t expect to make the cut given the competition for slots,” he adds.
The defender whose versatility allows him to play different positions made the cut after the withdraw of Godfrey Walusimbi who had gone to Angola for trials.
On why the performance didn’t match the hype, Kisalita was honest. “We got excited given the treatment we received. It was the first of its kind with good accommodation, meals and everything was so different from what we were used to.
“And on the pitch, we didn’t give much attention to the opponents as we underrated them especially Algeria and Gabon and that affected us.”
In the first game, Tony Odur and Owen Kasule were sent off in the 2-0 loss to Algeria and that changed the course of the tourney according to Kisalita.
With Uganda at home come this CHAN tournament, Kisalita believes they will do better than all previous editions where the team has failed to leave the group stages.
“They have had very good preparations that we didn’t have and playing at home gives them advantage and I am optimistic they will do better although a good start is imperative.”
Kisalita came on board at the time many Ugandan football enthusiasts described them as the golden generation but many never realized their potential.
“After that Chan edition, most of the players were never summoned again due to what transpired at the tournament,” adds Kisalita before admitting, “we didn’t give the nation what they expected of us.”
The 2011 Chan squad
Goalkeepers: Yasin Mugabi (Proline), Hamza Muwonge (Bunamwaya) and Godfrey Wakabu (KCCA)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (SC Villa), Jimmy Mukubya (URA), Simeon Masaba (URA), Habib Kavuma (Bunamwaya), Edward Ssali (Bunamwaya), Derrick Walulya (URA), Ivan Bukenya (Proline), Ayub Kisaliita (Bunamwaya)
Midfielders: Mike Mutyaba (Bunamwaya), Simon Sserunkuma (SC Villa), Noah Ssemakula (Express FC), Manco Kaweesa (URA), Ibrahim Sadam Juma (Bunamwaya), Steven Bengo (URA) and Owen Kasule (Bunamwaya)
Forwards: Yuda Mugalu (Bunamwaya), Ceaser Okhuti (Bunamwaya), Bruno Olobo (KCCA), Patrick Edema (Proline) and Tony Odur (Bunamwaya)
Coach: Bobby Williamson (Scotland)
Captain: Simeon Masaba
