As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Cote d’Ivoire, Ugandans are demonstrating unwavering support for their neighbors, Tanzania, who are set to embark on their campaign on January 17 in a Group F clash against 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalists Morocco, followed by matches against Zambia and DR Congo.
Despite Uganda not making it to the competition, a wave of solidarity has emerged among Ugandans, urging their compatriots to throw their support behind Tanzania. Grace Nabachwa, a football supporter in Kampala, emphasized the importance of backing Tanzania, stating, “We must support our brothers from Tanzania because they are now carrying the regional flag in Cote d’Ivoire.”
Uganda’s team captain, Khalid Aucho, currently playing for Young Africans SC in the Tanzania Premier League, echoed this sentiment, offering his best wishes to Tanzania in the AFCON. “I wish Tanzania all the best in the AFCON 2023. Tanzania, you have all our prayers,” affirmed Aucho.
Even with Tanzania qualifying for AFCON at Uganda’s expense, Fred Musaasizi expressed his commitment to supporting Tanzania, emphasizing the fraternal bond. “These are our brothers, and we must support them throughout the tournament,” added Musaasizi.
Josephine Adoch, an ardent football fan, cited the commonalities and regional affiliation as reasons for rooting for Tanzania. “I will be supporting our brothers from Tanzania because we have a lot in common and play in the same Zone,” she noted.
Former Uganda striker Mujib Kasule emphasized the need for Tanzania to approach each match as a final, expressing solidarity within the CECAFA Zone. Ethiopia and Sudan remain the only teams from the CECAFA Zone to have clinched an AFCON title, achieving this feat in 1962 and 1970, respectively.
With Egypt securing a record seven AFCON titles, Cameroon claiming five, and Ghana four, Ugandans united in throwing their support behind Tanzania as the tournament unfolds.
