Uganda’s Cranes Aim for an Upset Against DRC in AFCON 2019 Opener
As the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, enters the competition with cautious optimism. This Saturday, the team faces a challenging first assignment in Group A, going up against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite being drawn into a tough group alongside host nation Egypt and Zimbabwe, the Cranes are determined to make a strong start and aim for a place in the Round of 16.
Uganda has shown progress in recent years, and the team’s captain, Denis Onyango, believes that cohesion and teamwork will be key to their success in Egypt. Speaking to Goal.com, Onyango emphasized that the squad is in harmony and fully prepared for the demands of the continental tournament. “We have to work as a team. To go as far as possible, we have to make the most of the team’s quality. We prepared in Abu Dhabi and practically all the players know each other well,” he said.
The Cranes are under no illusions about the difficulty of their opening match. The DRC Leopards come with considerable experience in the Africa Cup of Nations, having reached the semi-finals in previous editions and boasting a squad with international pedigree. Nevertheless, Uganda is determined to make life difficult for the Congolese side. The team’s strategy revolves around disciplined defense, quick transitions, and capitalizing on any mistakes from their opponents.
Denis Onyango, who has been a stalwart for Uganda for many years, stressed that victory in this opening match is essential. “Football is a team sport. You can’t win a match when you play individual football. Against DR Congo, we need this first victory because our objective is to get past the group stage,” he added. The goalkeeper and captain will lead by example, aiming to organize the defense while instilling confidence across the squad.
The match represents a significant opportunity for Uganda to assert itself on the continental stage. While Egypt is the clear favorite to top Group A, the battle for second place remains open. Both the DRC and Uganda have realistic chances to advance, meaning that Saturday’s encounter could be pivotal in shaping the group standings. A win for the Cranes would not only secure valuable points but also send a strong message about their ambitions in this tournament.
Uganda’s preparations, which included a training camp in Abu Dhabi, focused on building chemistry, understanding tactical patterns, and reinforcing the team’s collective spirit. Onyango believes that these efforts have paid off, with the squad now ready to face a high-pressure match against an experienced opponent.
In a tournament where upsets are always possible, Uganda’s Cranes hope to make their mark from the very first game. With determination, cohesion, and the leadership of Denis Onyango, the team will look to challenge the DRC Leopards and secure a crucial opening victory, setting the tone for the remainder of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
