Today in History - Uganda Cranes Return to Afcon After 38-Year Wait

A Farouk Miya strike ended Uganda’s 38-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations appearance. On September 4, 2016, the Uganda Cranes beat Comoros 1-0 at a packed Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

Uganda needed victory on the final day of the Group D qualifiers to secure a place among the best runners-up. The decisive moment came in the 35th minute, when Moses Oloya created the opening and Miya fired the ball into the roof of the net past Comoros goalkeeper Ali Ahamada.

More than 40,000 fans roared the team through the match. The Cranes held on to their lead until the final whistle, then fell to their knees in prayer. Players lifted head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojević into the air as celebrations spread beyond the stadium and across Kampala.

The squad included goalkeeper Denis Onyango, defenders Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko and Joseph Ochaya, midfielders Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje and Moses Oloya, and attackers William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya and captain Geoffrey Massa.

Uganda later faced Ghana, Egypt and Mali at the 2017 finals in Gabon and exited in the group stage. Miya scored the team’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Mali. The achievement nevertheless marked a turning point. Onyango was named the 2016 CAF African Player of the Year based in Africa, and Uganda won CAF’s National Team of the Year award. The Cranes qualified again for the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, reaching the Round of 16. Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 tournament with Kenya and Tanzania.