The dream is over for the Uganda Cranes in Morocco, and the exit is particularly bitter. While their East African neighbours Tanzania celebrated a historic progression to the knockout stages, Uganda packed their bags in Fez, finishing dead last in Group C.

But amidst the heartbreak of a winless campaign and the sting of watching the Taifa Stars advance, there is a financial silver lining. Despite crashing out at the first hurdle, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will not return to Kampala empty-handed.

The Price of Early Exit

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prize money structure for the 2025 tournament, the financial stakes have never been higher. Even for the teams that finish bottom of their groups, the payout is substantial.

By finishing fourth in Group C, Uganda is guaranteed a payout of $500,000 (approx. KES 65 million). While this pales in comparison to the record $10 million (approx. KES 1.3 billion) awaiting the ultimate champions, it represents a massive injection of capital for East African football standards.

To put this into a Kenyan perspective, that KES 65 million consolation prize rivals the annual sponsorship value of some of the top-tier FKF Premier League clubs. For a campaign that yielded just one point, it is a significant payday that could fund youth development or coaching structures—if managed correctly.

A Campaign of 'What Ifs'

The money, however, will do little to soothe the immediate pain of the fans. The Cranes' campaign was defined by missed opportunities and self-inflicted wounds. It began with a disjointed 3-1 loss to Tunisia, but the real turning point was the East African derby against Tanzania.

In a match that ended 1-1, the narrative could have been rewritten had CHAN 2024 star Allan Okello converted a stoppage-time penalty. That miss proved fatal. Had that ball hit the net, Uganda might be preparing for a Round of 16 clash instead of a flight home.

The Nigerian Hammer Blow

The final nail in the coffin came Tuesday evening in Fez against a relentless Nigerian side. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, showed no mercy. Paul Onuachu drew first blood just before the break, exposing gaps in Paul Put’s defensive setup.

Hope briefly flickered when Coach Put introduced goalkeeper Salim Magoola for the veteran Denis Onyango to start the second half. That hope was extinguished minutes later when Magoola was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside his area. Down to 10 men, the Cranes crumbled, eventually falling 3-1 despite a late consolation goal.

The East African Power Shift?

Perhaps the stinging salt in the wound is the fortune of their neighbours. While Uganda heads home, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars managed to squeeze through to the knockout rounds, sparking jubilation in Dar es Salaam and friendly fire on social media.

• Tanzania: Advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
• Uganda: Eliminated with 1 point and a -4 goal difference.
• Kenya: Watching from the sidelines.

As Tanzanian fans aim digs at their regional rivals, the pressure now mounts on Paul Put. The former Harambee Stars boss was brought in to deliver results, but a group stage exit—regardless of the KES 65 million check—leaves questions hanging over the future direction of the Cranes.