Uganda Cranes senior goalkeeper Alionzi Nafian has sent a stirring message to teammates and fans as the country prepares to host the CHAN 2024 tournament this August.
With the spotlight set to fall on home soil, Alionzi says this is a chance for Uganda to rise and shine globally.
Alionzi, who has been mainly Uganda’s second choice goalkeeper to Ismail Watenga believes that playing in front of home fans will give the Cranes both a tactical and emotional edge.
“Uganda being a host is already an added advantage which was not there before,” Alionzi said. “Being home gives the Cranes an upper hand and confidence not only to win but to showcase the local talents on the global stage.”
With Alionzi intelligible to play at CHAN given it is exclusively for locally based players, he urged the team and the nation to seize the opportunity and carry the weight of Ugandan hopes with pride and determination.
He also addressed rising talk among fans about his role as the potential successor to Ismail Watenga, who is likely to miss AFCON 2025 due to injury.
Alionzi remained grounded, focusing on the team’s collective mission over individual ambitions.
