With just one more victory needed to reach an unprecedented knockout stage at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Uganda Cranes are making history in their seventh appearance at the tournament.
On a thrilling night at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the Cranes asserted their dominance by defeating Niger 2-0 in front of a packed home crowd, moving to six points after three games in the CHAN 2024 co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Allan Okello reacted fastest to score a header from a rebound after his initial penalty was saved by Niger’s goalkeeper Mahamadou Kassali. The second goal arrived in the 55th minute through Joel Sserunjogi, who calmly finished off a fine team move initiated by Reagan Mpande’s tireless run and Okello’s precise pass.
Coming off a convincing 3-0 win against Guinea, Uganda knew that victory was essential to keep control of their fate. Coach Morley Byekwaso stuck with the winning lineup, and the team started aggressively, controlling possession and pinning Niger back.
Mpande’s work rate was critical, earning a penalty following a VAR-checked foul inside the box. Although Okello’s first attempt was saved, his quick reaction to nod in the rebound electrified the stadium.
Despite Niger’s attempts to equalize after halftime, Uganda’s persistence paid off with Sserunjogi’s goal, which triggered exuberant celebrations among fans. The Cranes then managed the game confidently, preserving their lead to secure back-to-back wins and solidify their place as Group C frontrunners.
Currently, Uganda leads Group C with six points, followed by Algeria and South Africa with four points each (Algeria ahead on goal difference), Guinea with three, and Niger, still searching for their first win, facing near elimination.
Uganda’s decisive final group match against South Africa on Monday holds the key to sealing a top-two finish and achieving their first-ever progression to the CHAN knockout rounds — a milestone that would mark a new era in Ugandan football.
