CHAN 2024: Uganda Beats Niger, Inches Closer to Qualification

The Uganda Cranes continued their strong CHAN 2024 Group C campaign with a determined 2-0 victory over Niger, claiming their second consecutive win and moving within touching distance of the knockout stages.

The result lifts Uganda to six points from three matches and sets up a decisive clash against South Africa on 18 August at Namboole Stadium.

Head coach Morley Byekwaso stuck with the same starting XI that dismantled Guinea 3-0 in the previous match, and his side rewarded that trust with another energetic performance in front of a passionate home crowd.

First-Half Breakthrough

Uganda started brightly, winning their first corner in the 2nd minute. The momentum briefly paused in the 7th minute when Joel Sserunjogi was booked for a foul.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Enock Ssebagala delivered a dangerous cross from the left. Reagan Mpande’s attempt was blocked by a Niger defender, who handled the ball in the process. Following a VAR review, Malian referee Ousmane Diakate awarded a penalty.

Allan Okello’s initial spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Mahamadou Tandja, but the playmaker reacted quickly to tuck in the rebound, sparking wild celebrations in the 25th minute.

Uganda almost doubled the lead in the 32nd minute when Abdu Karim Watambala set up Ssemugabi, whose low shot narrowly missed the far post. Niger responded with two substitutions in the 35th minute and came close to equalising just before halftime, but Latif Djibril’s effort flew over the bar.

Sealing the Win

Uganda resumed the second half with attacking intent, and just three minutes in, Ssemugabi headed wide from a Mpande cross.

The second goal arrived in the 56th minute when Okello slipped a clever pass to Joel Sserunjogi, who finished clinically for 2-0. Shortly after, Ssebagala was forced off with an injury, replaced by Elvis Ngonde.

Niger made further attacking changes, but Uganda’s defence, anchored by goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, stood firm. Byekwaso refreshed his side with late substitutions, bringing on Patrick Kakande, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, and Usama Kiza.

Mpande had a late chance to make it three after being set up by Ssemugabi, but his shot went over the bar.

The Road Ahead

With six points secured, Uganda will face South Africa in a crucial final group match. The Bafana Bafana come into the tie buoyed by their 2-1 victory over Guinea earlier in the day, setting the stage for a possible group-decider at Namboole.