Uganda Cranes forward Allan Okello has described participation at the Africa Cup of Nations as a priceless moment in a footballer’s career one that must be embraced with courage, ambition and belief.
Speaking to journalists during the pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Group C clash against Tanzania in Rabat, the Vipers SC playmaker reflected on the magnitude of the continental showpiece and what it represents for players of his generation.
According to Okello, AFCON is not only Africa’s grandest football event but also a demanding arena that separates the ordinary from the exceptional.
“I would say, it is the biggest tournament in Africa and its both pressure but also opportunity on the other side. It is a big stage for me as a player to showcase what I have,” he said.
The 25-year-old acknowledged that the Cranes face a stern test as they seek to bounce back from their opening defeat to Tunisia, but insists the team has taken key lessons from that setback.
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With qualification hopes still alive, Okello believes improvement, rather than dwelling on disappointment, will be the deciding factor against Tanzania.
“We just need quite some simple learning for us to be able to win our next game because we didn’t do well in our previous game but we always learn from our mistakes and we are ready to perform better tomorrow,” he concluded.
Uganda are competing in Group C alongside Tunisia, Nigeria and Tanzania, and a positive result on Saturday could reignite their push for a place in the knockout stages.
