Uganda’s Alionzi Nafian leaves a mark at CHAN 2022

Whereas the Cranes once again failed to break the jinx of going past the group stages, one player left a mark on the hearts of many at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.

Uganda drew the opening game against neighbours DR Congo before humbling West African side Senegal but the East African country faltered when it lost 3-1 to Ivory Coast in the last game in the group.

However, despite the despair, one man impressed at the tournament for the local based players.

Alionzi Nafian, the 26-year born of Adjumani warmed many hearts in Algeria.

In the first game whose results was branded as a colourless draw, the 26 year old was at the service of the Cranes with several crucial saves that ensured Uganda earned a crucial point.

Alionzi was at it again in the second game for the Cranes when he saved a crucial penalty from Senegal.

In the opening half, the West African side got a penalty that defender Cheikh Sidibe stepped up to convert.

However, the Ugandan goalkeeper dived to his left and pushed away the penalty to warm the hearts of the excited Ugandan supporters during a wet and chilly game played at the 19 May Stadium in the eastern coastal city of Annaba.

Moments later, in the 33rd minute, skipper Milton Karisa scored for Uganda to send fans into a frenzy as Uganda secured their only second win  and the first since 2014 at the biennial tournament for only home based players in Africa .

Earlier, URA’s  Alionzi had made several match winning saves cementing his place as a fine goal keeper.

Whereas Uganda bowed out after falling to a lethal Ivory Coast in their last game of the group, the name of Alionzi stood out with an outstanding performance.