AFCON 2025: Allan Okello Speaks Out After Missing Penalty in Uganda's 1-1 Draw with Tanzania

The Uganda Cranes and Tanzania played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in their AFCON 2025 Group C clash at the Al Medina Stadium on Saturday.

After Simon Msuva put the Taifa Stars ahead from the penalty spot, Uganda fought back to level the score through a powerful header from substitute Uche Ikpeazu.

The Cranes were handed a golden opportunity to secure all three points deep in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty of their own following a foul on James Bogere.

However, the stadium fell silent as Allan Okello stepped up and sent his strike over the crossbar, leaving both teams to settle for a single point in the intense East African derby.

The Vipers SC attacking midfielder has since broken his silence after missing the crucial penalty that could have propelled the Uganda Cranes to victory.

Allan Okello expressed his disappointment with Uganda’s performance in their match against Tanzania, noting that while the result was not what they had hoped for, the team is determined to move forward and concentrate on their final group-stage game.

He also conveyed his sincere appreciation to the fans for their continued support, emphasising how much it means to him and the team.

“Disappointed with yesterday’s results, but that’s behind us. The focus is now on the last group game. I’m very grateful for all your support 🇺🇬❤️🙏🏿,” he shared in a post on his X (Twitter) handle.

Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put also defended Allan Okello, putting the miss into perspective by comparing it to one of football’s greatest players.

"Even Messi misses penalties sometimes. He’s human," the coach remarked. "He took responsibility. He missed, it can happen. Maybe next game he scores and we are all happy. That’s football."

On his part, speaking at the mixed zone, veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango emphasised that the squad remains united and that Allan Okello should not be made a scapegoat for the result.

“The team is behind him, no matter what happened. Maybe he will be the one to turn things around against Nigeria, you never know,” Onyango said.

“We need to protect him and keep him strong because that’s the nature of football. He missed the chance to win it for us, but the opposition also had their opportunity and could have taken it.”

The Uganda Cranes are now set to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their final Group C fixture with the hope of securing a victory.