Ugandans are rooting for neighbours Tanzania to perform well at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they play their opening match against 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco on Wednesday.
“We must support our brothers from Tanzania because they are now carrying the regional flag in Cote d’Ivoire,” said Grace Nabachwa, a football fan in Uganda’s capital Kampala.
Uganda captain Khalid Aucho, who plays for Young Africans SC in the Tanzania Premier League, has also made it clear all support is for Tanzania. “I wish Tanzania all the best. Tanzania, you have all our prayers,” said Aucho.
Fellow Ugandan Fred Musaasizi told Xinhua that although Tanzania qualified for the Afcon at Uganda’s expense, he will nevertheless be backing their neighbours.
“These are our brothers and we must support them throughout the tournament,” added Musaasizi.
Josephine Adoch, another big football fan, said: “Afcon is a very big and interesting tournament that brings together the best in the continent, and it’s always good to have a side to support. I will be supporting our brothers from Tanzania because we have a lot in common and play in the same Zone.”
Former Uganda striker Mujib Kasule added: “Since we are all from the same Zone, we shall support Tanzania. But they need to take every match like a final.”
Ethiopia and Sudan are the only teams from the Cecafa Zone to ever win an Afcon title, in 1962 and 1970 respectively. Egypt has won a record seven titles while Cameroon have won five tournaments, and Ghana four.
