As Tanzania gears up to kick off their AFCON 2023 campaign on January 17 against Morocco in Group F, Ugandans are actively showing support for their East African neighbors. Despite Uganda not making it to the tournament, football enthusiasts in Uganda express solidarity with Tanzania, considering them as flag bearers for the region in Cote d’Ivoire.

Football supporter Grace Nabachwa in Kampala emphasized the importance of supporting Tanzania, stating, “We must support our brothers from Tanzania because they are now carrying the regional flag in Cote d’Ivoire.” Uganda captain Khalid Aucho, who plays for Young Africans SC in the Tanzania Premier League, echoed this sentiment, extending well wishes to Tanzania and emphasizing that they have the full support of Uganda.

Even though Tanzania qualified at the expense of Uganda, fans like Fred Musaasizi expressed their commitment to backing Tanzania throughout the tournament, highlighting the fraternity between the two nations. Josephine Adoch, another football enthusiast, sees the AFCON as an opportunity to support Tanzania, citing the commonalities shared by the two nations in the same football zone.

Former Uganda striker Mujib Kasule stressed the importance of supporting Tanzania, given their shared football zone, and advised Tanzania to approach each match as if it were a final. While Ethiopia and Sudan are the only teams from the CECAFA Zone to have won an AFCON title, Ugandans rally behind Tanzania in hopes of a strong representation for East Africa in the prestigious tournament.