Uganda Cranes midfielder Allan Okello has vowed to seize his opportunity and establish himself as a key player for the national team after delivering a match-winning performance against Guinea on Tuesday night.
The Vipers SC playmaker scored the only goal of the game in the first half, securing a crucial 1-0 victory that reignited Uganda’s hopes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The win lifted the Cranes to nine points, placing them fourth in the group, with Algeria leading on 15 points.
Speaking after the game, Okello emphasized the team’s determination to keep their qualification hopes alive.
"We fought so hard today. You could see that everyone wanted to win this one to keep the hope alive. If we didn’t win today, we could be left with no hope," he stated.
The victory was a timely response following Uganda’s disappointing loss to Mozambique in their previous outing. Head coach Paul Put had called on his players to step up and Okello confirmed they were fully committed to delivering.
"The coach told us we need to do our best and give enough. We didn’t do that in our previous game away from home, so we had to step up today. We got the chance, scored, and defended our goal."
A standout moment of the match was the first-time pairing of Okello and teenage sensation Travis Mutyaba in the starting lineup. Their chemistry excited fans and Okello was full of praise for his young teammate.
"It was lovely. Travis is a wonderful player, very good on the ball. As a player, everyone believes in me and knows I want to play. So when I have another player who wants to play as well, we go on, and it was nice to be on the same pitch with him."
For Okello, who has struggled for consistent playing time with the national team in the past, this game marked a turning point in his international career.
"I’m trying to do my best. I have been waiting for this chance. Before, I wasn’t getting enough time, so it’s my time to prove myself and give my best for the national colors."
Uganda will return to action in September with two crucial home matches against Mozambique and Somalia as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.
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