FUFA has officially launched the campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon code named “366 Back to Namboole with Cranes”.
The launch was held at the FUFA Headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, 23rd October 2019 during a special press conference addressed by the Acting FUFA President Justus Mugisha, Vice President Darius Mugoye, Cranes Coach Johnathan McKinstry and Deputy CEO- Football Decolas Kiiza.
The campaign name “366 Back to Namboole with Cranes” was derived from the date when Cranes last played against Cape Verde on 17th November 2018 when Patrick Kaddu scored to confirm Uganda’s berth at AFCON 2019 in Egypt.
The campaign will kick off with an away fixture in Ouagadougou against Burkina Faso on the 13th November 2019 before the home game on 17th November 2019 with Malawi.
“The launch of the AFCON 2021 campaign shows our desire to see the Uganda Cranes keep delivering on the continent. We know the value of this campaign. When we win we give our fans happiness. We shall give the coach Jonathan McKinstry maximum support.” Justus Mugisha said
Given the time span between the two games, FUFA confirmed a chartered flight courtesy of the Uganda Airlines to fly the Uganda Cranes and fans.
The chartered flight will depart Entebbe International Airport on 12th October for the match on 13th November and return on the 14th November 2019.
Uganda will be seeking for qualify for a third straight time for the continental showpiece having played in 2017 Gabon and 2019 Egypt. They will need to finish in top two of group B which has Malawi, Burkina Faso and South Sudan.
“We are now beginning the AFCON 2021 qualification campaign. I have been around three weeks now but have been able to gather some information about the players and our opponents including an international friendly match away to Ethiopia. Burkina Faso is expected to be a very difficult game for us but Cranes away record has improved a lot” Jonathan McKinstry, Uganda Cranes Head Coach
FUFA has also financed a chartered flight for the Uganda Cranes and reserved 30 seats for fans who wish to travel with the team at a fee of $1500 per head (Full board, one night accommodation) and access to the stadium.
“We thank the Government of Uganda for the continued support over time and again. Special regards to all our sponsors and partners, the media and fans. We need your support in this very campaign,” said FUFA Vice President Darius Mugoye.
McKinstry will name the provisional team next Wednesday, 30th October 2019.
Uganda Cranes fixtures:
Matchday one: Burkina Faso v Uganda, 11th November 2019 – Ouagadougou
Matchday two: Uganda v Malawi, 17th November 2019 – Kampala
Matchday three: Uganda v South Sudan, 31st August 2020 – Kampala
Matchday four: South Sudan v Uganda, 8th September 2020 – Juba
Matchday five: Uganda v Burkina Faso, 5th October 2020 – Kampala
Matchday six: Malawi v Uganda, 9th November 2020 – Lilongwe
