Allan Okello has framed Uganda Cranes’ Africa Cup of Nations campaign as far more than just another tournament, calling it a defining platform where careers are tested, shaped and announced to the continent.
Addressing the media ahead of Saturday’s crucial Group C encounter against Tanzania in Rabat, the Vipers SC playmaker spoke with conviction about the weight and privilege of featuring at Africa’s biggest football spectacle.
For Okello, AFCON represents both immense pressure and limitless opportunity, a stage that demands courage and rewards belief.
“I would say, it is the biggest tournament in Africa and its both pressure but also opportunity on the other side. It is a big stage for me as a player to showcase what I have.”
The 25-year-old acknowledged the steep challenge facing the Cranes after their opening defeat to Tunisia but stressed that setbacks are part of growth at elite level.
Uganda’s performance against the Carthage Eagles exposed shortcomings, yet Okello insists the squad has responded with reflection rather than regret, shifting focus to correction and improvement.
“We just need quite some simple learning for us to be able to win our next game because we didn’t do well in our previous game but we always learn from our mistakes and we are ready to perform better tomorrow.”
Drawn in a demanding Group C alongside Tunisia, Nigeria and Tanzania, Uganda’s margin for error is thin. However, a positive result against Tanzania could dramatically revive their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.
