SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT — Win or lose, the Little League World Series team from Uganda has become a hometown favorite.

The first team from Africa to advance to South Williamsport in the 66-year history of the tourney did fall in its debut Friday. Aguadulce, Panama, defeated the boys from Lugazi 9-3.

Uganda’s coaches said they didn’t expect any parents of the players to make the expensive transatlantic trip to Pennsylvania.

But Uganda has still drawn vocal fans who cheered wildly, especially after Daniel Alio’s towering home run to center in the sixth. He showed off a methodical homer trot that would have made David Ortiz proud.

“I thought I wouldn’t hit a home run,” the soft-spoken Alio said. “But my coach told me to make contact.”

Canada, Texas and Indiana also won Friday — Day 2 of the youth baseball marathon.

Alio and his teammates, though, were the biggest stars. Manager Henry Odong said they’re proud to represent Africa, where baseball is an emerging sport but not nearly as popular as soccer.

“The rest of Africa is behind us,” Odong said in recounting his message to players.