Uganda players face wrath of fans on return after failing to clinch AFCON ticket

By Shafik Ssenoga
KAMPALA - Over the years, Cranes have never registered concerns on return from their international engagements.

However, on Friday afternoon, the story was different and understandably so.

Following their disastrous end to the 2015 Nations Cup qualifying campaign in Morocco, fans treated the players to a rude welcome on arrival at Entebbe Airport.

Right from arrival at the airport, fans seemed unforgiving after watching their team collapse to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Guinea in Casablanca, Morocco.

Cranes players had to deal with a barrage of abuse from angry fans after checking out and the story was not different after boarding the bus to Kampala.

Some of the players even had to hide their identity. The team captain Andrew Mwesigwa, who is expected to retire from the team, after his comical performance that helped Guinea to an easy win, was also part of the group that returned.

However some players avoided the team's bus. The likes of goal keeper Robert Odongkara and Habibu Kavuma, who had entered the bus ran out and used other means of transport.

Those that chose to travel with the bus faced the fans' wrath along the way to Kampala.

Along Kibuye, fans threw tomatoes to those who were in the bus while other fans kept hitting the bus as it made its way of traffic.

In Kampala, Cranes sponsors Airtel treated the team to a welcome dinner at Serena Hotel.

FUFA President Moses Magogo and a host of other players did not attend the dinner for unclear reasons. Airtel Uganda managing director, Tom Gutjahr pointed that they will continue to support the national team and the game of football in the country.

Motivational speaker Peter Kimbowa tried to counsel the players after their disastrous show in Morocco.

 
PHOTOs by Mpalanyi Ssentongo
The returning team was treated to a dinner at Serena Hotel, thanks to their sponsors Airtel

Team CoachMilutin 'Micho' Sredojevic listened on in a pensive mood

Captain Andrew Mwesigwa spoke during the dinner
Motivational speaker Peter Kimbowa addressed the players

He counseled them, giving insights about failure
Uganda Cranes ambassador Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool entertained guests