Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi is wearing his latest national team call-up with a wide grin and a sense of vindication, soaking in the moment as Uganda intensifies preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Defence Forces (Ethiopia) shot-stopper is one of four keepers vying for the No.1 spot in camp, lining up alongside KCCA FC’s Charles Lukwago and the seasoned South Africa-based duo of Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal. It’s a competitive crowd, but Alionzi is relishing every second of it.
For the 25-year-old, just being in the AFCON frame is an emotional milestone.
“It’s the biggest level of football in Africa, where every player wants to play. This tournament has produced so many great players, so it’s a great feeling to be part,” Alionzi said.
After the first training session in Casablanca, the Cranes sweeper-keeper admitted the opening grind was already kicking in, but nothing he isn’t prepared for.
“The first day of training isn’t bad, but of course, you have to feel a bit tired. The muscles are a bit stiff, but we tried to loosen up. We have given our best, and it has been a good one for a first day,” he added.
His path to the Cranes shirt has never been a straight line. Born in Adjumani to South Sudanese parents, Salim Lega and Mariam Dudu, Alionzi once found himself at the crossroads of international allegiance. In 2020, South Sudan came calling, and he seriously weighed the possibility of switching, a move many of his compatriots such as Tito Okello, Rashid Toha and Ivan Wani embraced.
But something in him tugged toward the black, yellow and red.
Alionzi opted to stay the course with Uganda and was eventually rewarded with a debut in 2021 during a friendly against Zambia ahead of the CHAN tournament, cementing his place as one of the Cranes’ rising custodians.
To youngsters back home dreaming of a similar ascent, his advice is simple but sharp:
“To be disciplined, to have models, follow the players this tournament has produced to get inspired and always work hard,” he said.
Uganda will have little time to ease into the tournament. AFCON 2025 kicks off on December 21 with hosts Morocco facing Comoros, and two days later, the Cranes open their campaign against Tunisia before lining up against Tanzania and continental giants Nigeria in the group stage.
