Youssoupha Dabo’s first visit to Uganda ended in defeat, but the Libya coach left Hoima hoping to return for AFCON 2027.
The Senegalese tactician praised the country’s hospitality after Tuesday’s 1-0 loss, expressing a desire to bring his team back for the continental finals.
“Ugandan people are very nice. I am very, very happy to come here. It’s my first time, but I want to come back, Inshallah, to play at AFCON,” Dabo said during the post match press conference.
That ambition now depends on Libya recovering from a difficult opening to their qualifying campaign, with one point from two Group H matches.
Libya drew 2-2 with Botswana before falling to Arnold Vula’s debut goal at Hoima City Stadium on September 29.
The Uganda forward headed home Allan Okello’s free-kick at the stroke of halftime, giving the Cranes their first victory of the campaign.
For Dabo, the result did not overshadow a welcome that reminded him of another of the tournament’s host nations.
“We had a good welcome with nice people, but it’s not a surprise for me because the people of Uganda are like the people of Tanzania. They have almost the same mentality and culture.”
Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, with the tournament scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17.
While the Cranes already have their place secured as hosts, Libya must overcome Tunisia and Botswana to claim Group H’s remaining qualification berth.
Dabo insisted that the defeat in Hoima had not weakened his team’s belief in reaching the finals.
“We will continue to keep our heads up and continue to fight because we still have a chance,” he said.
“Everyone knows Uganda have already qualified, so the battle will be between us, Tunisia and Botswana.”
His optimism also rested on a performance he believed deserved a better outcome against Paul Put’s side in front of their home supporters.
Libya created opportunities before Uganda’s breakthrough, but goalkeeper Denis Onyango made crucial interventions to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.
“I think if you watched the game, we played well. The opponent didn’t have many opportunities to score, and my team got two good opportunities,” Dabo said.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have the efficiency to finish our chances. The first opportunity of the game was for us.”
The coach praised his players for handling the occasion, with Uganda playing their first competitive international at the newly constructed stadium.
“I am very proud of my team today because we knew before the game that it was the first game in this stadium with a lot of fans supporting the opponent.
“Like I told you before, no matter the situation, continue to play and keep your head up. I think we did that well, but the result was not good for us.”
Dabo nevertheless questioned the award of the free-kick from which Vula scored, arguing that the initial foul should have gone Libya’s way.
“Before Uganda’s goal, we had the first foul. It was for us, but he decided to give the foul to Uganda,” he said.
“I think if he had made the right decision in the first half, we wouldn’t have conceded this goal.”
Libya’s next qualifying assignment will be against Tunisia during the November international window, offering Dabo’s side an opportunity to strengthen their bid.
Having enjoyed Uganda’s welcome, Dabo must now turn his appreciation into motivation for a return earned through qualification.
Libya’s next qualifying assignment will be against Tunisia during the November international window, offering Dabo’s side an opportunity to strengthen their bid.