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A prominent Ugandan official has expresses interest in exploring Andre Onana’s ancestry after an intriguing conversation in Kampala.
On the eve of a high-stakes 2025 AFCON qualifier between Harambee Stars and five-time African champions Cameroon, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana had a special encounter with a top Ugandan government official.
Onana, who is in Kampala with the Cameroon squad, met with Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament Thomas Tayebwa ahead of the much-anticipated match.
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Tayebwa, a former member of the Makerere University Council and an ardent Manchester United fan, was excited to meet Onana during his stay at a Kampala hotel where the Indomitable Lions are residing.
The meeting comes just days before Cameroon takes on Kenya in a crucial Group J encounter at the 42,000-capacity Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Kampala.
"Together with my son, we had an exciting interaction with @AndreyOnanathis morning," Tayebwa shared on social media.
"The @ManUtd goalkeeper is in Uganda for their @DiskiAfrika qualifier match against @Harambee__Stars of Kenya."
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Tayebwa expressed his delight at meeting a player from Manchester United, a club he and his son passionately support.
"As ardent @ManUtd fans, we are excited to see an African raising our continent’s flag at the biggest football club in the world. And I’m glad at the way he has settled in, and we are praying for his success," Tayebwa added.
The interaction between the Ugandan leader and Onana brought excitement to Ugandan Manchester United fans, who hold the goalkeeper in high regard.
While in Kampala, Onana extended a personal invitation to Tayebwa and his son to watch him live in action at Old Trafford, a gesture that the Deputy Speaker greatly appreciated.
"On a lighter note, I informed him how I will make research to see if he has relatives in Uganda since the Bakiga originated from Cameroon. I'm equally excited about the invitation he has extended to me and my son to watch him live in action at Old Trafford," Tayebwa humorously concluded.
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Harambee Stars’ defeat exposes deep-rooted ethnic division among Kenyans
Harambee Stars players are being subjected to ethnic profiling by a section of Kenyans following their loss to Cameroon, a cause for worry given the deep-rooted tribalism in the country.
The Cameroon squad, which includes Onana as a key figure in goal, is preparing to face Kenya in a match that will be played behind closed doors at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Kenya is currently hosting its international matches in Uganda due to the lack of CAF and FIFA-approved stadiums back home.
The Mandela National Stadium, though located in Uganda, serves as a temporary home for the Harambee Stars.
Although the last time Kenya hosted Zimbabwe at the same venue saw fans allowed to attend, Monday’s game against Cameroon will take place without spectators.
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06:30 - 03.10.2024
Why Harambee Stars will play behind closed doors in crucial AFCON qualifier
Harambee Stars' crucial AFCON qualifier will be played behind closed doors with no fans allowed in the stadium.
This match is a crucial one for both sides, as Cameroon looks to secure its place in the upcoming African Cup of Nations, while Kenya hopes to revive its chances of making a return to the continental tournament, having last featured in the 2019 edition in Cairo, Egypt.
The rivalry between Uganda and Kenya adds an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Many Ugandan football fans, especially those who support Manchester United, are expected to cheer for the Indomitable Lions, who boast Onana in their ranks.
Memories of the 2011 AFCON qualifier still linger when Kenya’s goalless draw against Uganda denied the Cranes a spot in the tournament much to the dismay of Ugandan supporters.
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