CHAN: Ugandan fans urged to be realistic after Cranes’ opening defeat
By Luke Oluoch, August 6, 2025Football Federation of Uganda (FUFA) president Hashim Magogo has taken a swipe at the country’s football fans for being unrealistic about the capabilities of the national team, Uganda Cranes.
In a pointed rebuke on his X page on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Magogo hinted at the fans’ lacklustre support for the team and their not attending the local league matches, among factors that have adversely impacted the growth and development of the league.
His sentiments came two days after the Cranes were outclassed and outfoxed in a 3-0 defeat to Algeria on Monday, August 4, 2025, during their CHAN group opening match.
“Every well-meaning Ugandan would love to see the @UgandaCranes beat Algeria, but we need to be very honest and realistic. Do we have players playing at the same level as their Algerian counterparts?” He posed.
In a call to action, the official challenged the fans to play their role in improving the standards of the league through financial and moral support.
“To get our players playing at the same level, it will take our collective effort, like as a country, not just the federation, @UPL clubs, players, and coaches. As fans who want Uganda to beat Algeria in CHAN, do you watch league games? Because if you don’t, clubs will not get the funds to pay these players and/or keep their best players who are lured away to play in leagues not stronger than us but just for money,” he added.
Cranes fall to Algeria
In the clash at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. Cranes failed to dazzle as North Africans ensured that they became the only team among the three hosts to start off the tournament on a losing note.
Algerian captain Ayoub Ghezela rose above everyone to head in from a corner in the 36th minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead going into the break.
The Desert Foxes remained composed and capitalised on their chances. In the 69th minute, they made a double substitution, bringing on fresh legs. Just minutes later, Abderrahmane Meziane doubled their lead with a calm, clinical finish that left goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa stranded.
The clash was put beyond the hosts in the 78th minute when substitute Soufiane Bayazid rounded off Mutakubwa and calmly slotted home Algeria’s third.
The setback saw Uganda facing a must-win clash against Guinea on Friday, August 8, if they hope to keep their tournament hopes alive.