As the countdown to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 intensifies, Uganda Cranes defender Gavin Kizito has backed home support to play a pivotal role in propelling the team beyond the group stages.
Kizito, who was speaking during Monday’s training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, said the players are drawing immense inspiration from the prospect of playing in front of their own fans.
“We shall come over the group stages with the fans supporting us behind, it will help us players to cheer us up and perform better,” he said, highlighting the emotional boost the home advantage brings.
Uganda will open their CHAN campaign under the floodlights of Namboole Stadium on August 4 against Algeria; a Group C encounter that promises to test the Cranes’ composure, grit, and defensive resolve.
They will also face Guinea, Niger, and South Africa in the group stage.
This is Uganda’s record seventh appearance at CHAN, but the team has never progressed past the group stage.
With the tournament co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, expectations are high for a historic run this time around.
Kizito, who plies his trade with KCCA FC, remains optimistic about the team’s preparation and believes that the recent build-up games; including a narrow loss to Tanzania and a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Senegal, have laid a solid foundation.
The Cranes conducted their initial camp at Luzira Prisons Grounds and the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, before heading to Arusha for the CECAFA Three Nations Tournament.
Now back at Lugogo, focus has shifted to final tactical executions, fitness drills, and harnessing the electric atmosphere expected at Namboole.
The 25-man squad announced by co-coach Morley Byekwaso on Sunday includes a blend of youth and experience, with Allan Okello handed the captain’s armband.
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and defender Rogers Torach will serve as his deputies.
Kizito, part of a defensive unit that has shown promise, is determined to make the most of the moment, banking on crowd energy and national pride to drive Uganda into uncharted territory at CHAN.
