Uganda Cranes We Go!

What do you get when you combine a great group of Peace Corps friends, matching Uganda gear, and a football game?

One of the best times spent in the UG.

Last night was the final game of the season for the Uganda Cranes football, or soccer for the American folk.  We decided to venture out to Mandela Stadium just outside the city for the exciting match against Mauritania.

 

Not having followed the Cranes, I knew very little about the team and how they would fair against their opponents.  I was quickly told that the match would be solid and that both teams would have to fight for the win.

 

As we rolled up the stadium, it somehow resembled a baseball game at AT&T Park in San Francisco.  People were tailgating and vendors sold face paints, jerseys, flags, and other gear to show support for the Cranes.

We made our way up to the game; stopping for meat on a stick, warm beer, and Ugandan memorabilia.  Families roamed the streets also making their way, carrying their children dressed in full uniforms. 

As we entered the Ugandan national anthem had just begun and in true fashion, we joined in.

 

Random fact.  When Ugandans sing their national anthem they raise their right hand in the sky at an angle that resembles the Nazi salute.  It caught me completely off guard.

 

At the stadium there are no assigned seats, just lots and lots of bleachers. 

 

We took up space near one of the goals and instead of sitting on the concrete bench we decided to dangle our legs over the edge and sit in the very front. 

The first half came and went with no goal.

Halftime was entertaining, with committed fans showing off their Uganda gear, a group of children in a marching band, and grown mean riding around on quad bikes.

But then the second half began and Uganda was ready for the fight.  Ten minutes in they scored a goal and another about 20 minutes later.

2-0.

And it remained that way.

Fun fact!  The Cranes have remained unbeaten at home since 2004.

The crowd gave off so much energy when the athletes scored.  Horns blew and chants and cheers erupted.  They also celebrated by throwing their empty plastic bottles of soda over and onto the field.  Not quite sure where that one started…

The game ended with 4-minutes of extra time and the Mauritanian goalie laying down in defeat.  Uganda definitely dominated possession and it was great to see them prosper in one of their favorite sports!

We left the stadium with hoarse voices and memories to be cherished for a long, long time.

Love my May 2012 group!