CHAN 2024 | Results
- Uganda 2-0 Niger
- South Africa 2-1 Guinea
Uganda Cranes has secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Niger in the African Nations Championship at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.
The victory takes Uganda to the top of Group C with six points, two above Algeria and South Africa, who have played a game less.
Midfielder Enock Ssebagala missed a glancing header to put Uganda in the lead, following a beautifully weighed cross by Herbert Achai in the 14th minute.
The referee was then called into action, following VAR intervention after Reagan Mpande was fouled in the box.
Allan Okello then stepped from the spot, and while his shot was initially saved, he was quick to latch on to the rebound to head home for the breakthrough in the 25th minute.
Minutes later, Karim Watambala set up forward Jude Ssemugabi free into a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, but failed to bury, as he struck wide.
Towards halftime, Okello danced his way past his marker and nearly set Ssemugabi through, but the backline stood strong to clear the ball far and away.
Joel Sserunjogi doubled Uganda’s lead with a rare strike, bursting into the net after 10 minutes into the second half. The midfielder was set up by Allan Okello before he expertly whipped the ball.
The Cranes suffered a big blow after Ssebagala walked off the pitch injured and was replaced with Elvis Ngonde.
Uganda return to action on Monday, August 18, as they take on South Africa in their final game of the group.
Team Line Ups
Uganda XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Herbert Achai, Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Torach, Reagan Mpande, Hillary Mukundane, Allan Okello, Gavin Kizito, Joel Sserunjogi, Enock Ssebagala, Karim Watambala
Niger XI: Mahamadou Tandja Djibrilla Kassali, Adamou Ibrahim, Mohamed Papa, Ridouane Assane, Abdoul Kader, Chamsoudine Loukoumane, Hassane Harouna, Abdourahamane Djibo, Mohamed Abdourahamane, Nourou Yacouba, Abdoul Latif
