Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has congratulated, national football team, Cranes upon qualifying for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
Uganda Saturday afternoon edged Cape Verde 1-0 at the Mandela National Stadium, thanks to Patrick Kaddu’s 78th minute header, and thus, the three points surpassing the needed one point for their qualification.
In a tweet, the President applauded both the team tactician Sebastian Desabre as well as the football managers in the country for their contributions in helping Cranes qualify.
“Congratulations to Uganda Cranes for not only defeating Cape Verde this evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole but also qualifying for the Africa Nations Cup 2019 in Cameroon,” read Museveni’s tweet.
“Thanks to the coach, football management and the fans for rallying behind the team,” he added.
The President has been fundamental and supportive to the Cranes through encouraging them as well as offering financial support. He has severally hosted the team at state house and his country home in Rwakitura.
Days to the Lesotho match in Namboole in which Uganda thrashed them 3-0, thanks to Emmanuel Okwi’s brace and Farouk Miya’s goal, the President invited Cranes at statehouse, where he revealed that he was critically following the team.
He also announced an offer of Ugsh200m on top of providing a chartered flight to the team to travel to Maseru, Lesotho for the return leg against the hosts.
“I have been following you of recent and I thank you for the performance but we need to work harder for better results. I have offered you a chartered plane to Lesotho and Shs 200m to help you get good results,” said President Museveni.
Uganda’s win puts at 13 points 8 points ahead of second placed Tanzania who with play their 5th game against Lesotho in Maseru tomorrow.
Although Cranes have qualified, they are left with one group game against Tanzania early next year.