Rain is part of the routine at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. When the gentle sun dominated Saturday, you could have been tempted not to carry your heavy coat.
Uganda Cranes arrived at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, they must have been pleased to warm up in more familiar weather.
Retreating to the dressing rooms, they re-emerged under a light drizzle at kickoff for the game against Tanzania that did not last long.
No one could have complained following the heavy rain that pounded players and photographers during the 3-1 loss to Tunisia last Tuesday.
Substitute Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru had other ideas. With Tanzania leading 1-0 through a Simon Msuva penalty in the 59th minute, coach Paul Put had to find something.
The Belgian brought on the gangly Uche, born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother 30 years ago in England, to replace Jude Ssemugabi.
It took Uche three minutes on the pitch to bring Uganda level with 10 to play and deny Tanzania a first-ever win at the Afcon.
He flung himself full-length at Denis Omedi’s cross from the right to power home with a classic header.
‘I have been working hard,’ Uche said in the mixed zone. ‘Chances have been hard to come by as I have not played much at my club this season. I was ready when the coach picked me.’
Joy unconfined
The joy on his face touched both ears as he raced to the bench dugout to celebrate his second goal in three internationals.
There was more in store from him – NBA superstar’s Lebron James’ signature celebration – The Silencer.
It’s violent yet straightforward, intense enough to represent the enormity of the moment, but not so over the top that it bothers you.
The pushing down of the hands three times, palms facing the floor, as if the air were so thick you could touch it.
The double-tap of the right hand over the chest. The primal scream that follows.
Soon after, the clouds opened with a tinge of hailstorms. Uche had not only lifted the load on himself but also on the dark Moroccan sky.
In the first minute of added time, Uganda was awarded a penalty which Allan Okello missed. The rain stopped.
Factfile
Full name: Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu
Date of birth: February 28, 1995 (age 30)
Place of birth: Harrow, England
Height : 6ft 3in
Position: Forward