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While featuring on Supersport TV's 'Soccer Africa' Thursday night show, the distinguished Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper highlighted that the absence of home support and the Cranes' transition significantly impacted Uganda's qualification journey.
Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango recently shared his insights into the factors that thwarted the team's chance to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
While featuring on Supersport TV's 'Soccer Africa' Thursday night show, the distinguished Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper highlighted that the absence of home support and the Cranes' transition significantly impacted Uganda's qualification journey.
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06:42 - 10.10.2023
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"Regrettably, we did not make it to the 2023 AFCON. We encountered challenges like the lack of home support in stadiums, having to play most of our home games away," Onyango acknowledged.
"The team also underwent a transition, witnessing the departure of several experienced players."
"Early planning for a smooth, seamless transition may have been beneficial as managing such changes is challenging.
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12:34 - 05.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Same cup final, same stadium: Why Rulani Mokwena should trust Onyango to deliver another trophy for Sundowns
Against Cape Town City, in the heart of Moses Mabhida Stadium, Onyango displayed goalkeeping brilliance, stopping five penalties.
Onyango also expressed optimism for the upcoming PAMOJA AFCON 2027: "We should have a team ready; it's also a positive development for the three nations, promising to foster greater brotherhood."
The Cranes, who finished third in Group F with seven points, hosted only one of their three group games, with the remaining matches played in Egypt and Cameroon, without securing a win.
The veteran goalkeeper, previously of SC Villa and St George, also divulged his experiences in international football with the Uganda Cranes, singling out Mohammed Salah as the most formidable opponent he has squared off against.
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11:41 - 28.09.2023
STARS ABROAD Onyango's Sundowns fight back to maintain league unbeaten run
The hosts found themselves trailing after 14 minutes when Devin Titus scored against Riyard Pieterse, making his season debut.
"International football operates on a different level; you confront players from Europe, and anyone can be a threat."
"It has to be Mohammed Salah; his technique is incredible. It's fantastic that Africa possesses such talent," he praised.
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10:30 - 08.10.2023
FOOTBALL OPINION: Uganda will require a strategic PR media campaign for AFCON 2027
Currently, the primary focus of the three host nations is on ensuring that all the facilities outlined in the bid are in place before the tournament.
At 38 years old, with 79 caps for the Uganda Cranes, Onyango retired from international football in 2021 after a remarkable 16-year career that saw him captain the Cranes in two AFCON tournaments.
He led the team to their first tournament in 39 years in 2017 and again as captain in the 2019 edition held in Egypt.
Currently, Onyango's attention is focused on aiding his Mamelodi Sundowns team in securing their second CAF Champions League title, a feat they last achieved in 2016.
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