By Ian Nkera Ford
Before kickoff, I was amazed by the optimism of every Ugandan. The way they kept glued to the screen in anticipation of a miracle. It had finally dawned on them that the same players with whom they possibly share ancestry could finally pull off the biggest shocks in football to book passage to the biggest showpiece next year in Brazil, The World Cup.
Fists feigned in prayer, the passion was very visible. From the onset, Uganda Cranes chances were slim against Africa football powerhouses, Senegal but all that didn’t matter as Ugandans came together to realize a dream that had eluded them for decades.
Uganda has been in many positions like this only for hope to be blown away in a flash. When the referee gave the match a greenlight, a confident Cranes team reflected hope of an expectant nation passing the ball around. All players looked lively with guys like Majwega, Okwi and Diego Kiiza easily looking like real world beaters and for a second the thought of Andy Mwesigwa playing in Rio di Janeiro looked like a huge possibility. Hopes still alive with Senegal looking slightly shocked by the resistance the Cranes had put up.
In a split second, I witnessed my dreams crash down with a moment of madness. Godfrey Walusimbi savagely jumping into a tackle to get himself sent off. Like every Ugandan, anxiety started creeping in as realistically the thought of playing the former World Cup quarter finalists with ten men was always going to be an uphill task.
Why Jaja Walu… Why? I can confidently say that I am a very strong lad but deep down, I knew it wasn’t going to be all smiles. With ten men on the pitch, I was a little surprised with Micho’s tactics when he was more adventurous throwing in more forwards like Martin Mutumba.
Prayers prevailed until that Senegal goal that dumped any hope of resurgence. The pain is excruciating. I can’t comprehend how we always seem so close yet so far. The wait goes on but like every lover of Ugandan football, I will wait. The future of Ugandan football is bright. WE BELIEVE!!