SC Villa’s Odong backs Uganda Cranes to reach CHAN 2024 final
The Uganda Cranes are currently training at Prisons Grounds, Luzira, under the guidance of co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza.
File photo
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
SC Villa’s Arnold Odong has voiced strong confidence in Uganda’s chances of reaching the final at the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament.
“The players are working together. The first week of residential camp hasn’t been easy, but we’re coping,” Odong said.
The Uganda Cranes are currently training at Prisons Grounds, Luzira, under the guidance of co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza. The technical team recently narrowed the squad to 29 local-based players now entering the final preparation phase.
Odong, part of Uganda’s AFCON 2025 qualifying squad earlier this year, believes that experience has refined his game. “Traveling with the team during the AFCON qualifiers gave me valuable exposure,” he shared.
Uganda has been drawn in Group C of CHAN 2024 alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. All group matches will be held at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
“This is our home turf. We need to give everything we have and aim for the final,” Odong added.
Notable names in camp include Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Patrick Kakande, Jude Ssemugabi, and Gavin Kizito—players expected to play key roles.
Uganda opens its campaign on August 4 against Algeria, followed by Guinea (August 8), Niger (August 11), and South Africa (August 18).
The CHAN (African Nations Championship) spotlights players competing in their domestic leagues, offering Uganda a prime stage to showcase local talent. Despite six past appearances, the Cranes have yet to progress beyond the group phase—an achievement they hope to reach this time.
The tournament kicks off on August 2 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the final set for August 30 in Nairobi, Kenya. Uganda will host the third-place playoff in Namboole.