In the first opener of Group C, Uganda were humiliated by the Desert Foxes in a masterclass 3-0 victory for Algeria, leaving the Cranes with much to prove. But on Saturday night at the newly refurbished Namboole Stadium, Uganda roared back in style, brushing aside Guinea with a commanding 3-0 win in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. The Cranes produced a performance full of flair, intensity, and clinical finishing, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition. The electric home crowd, in full voice from start to finish, played its part in turning the stadium into a fortress.
Reagan Mpande opened the scoring midway through the first half, latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball before coolly slotting past the Guinean goalkeeper. His goal set the tone for a dominant display by the hosts, who dictated the tempo with crisp passing and relentless pressing. Guinea struggled to cope with Uganda’s pace on the wings and creativity in the middle of the park, leaving them on the back foot for most of the game.
Playmaker Allan Okello doubled the advantage early in the second half from the penalty spot after a Guinean defender handled the ball in the box. The KCCA FC star kept his composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters. Okello’s influence went beyond the goal, as he orchestrated Uganda’s play with vision and confidence throughout the match.
The icing on the cake came late in the match when substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire home Uganda’s third. His goal sealed a memorable night for the Cranes and ensured a clean sheet, highlighting both their attacking prowess and defensive discipline. The result puts Uganda in a strong position in Group C and boosts their confidence heading into the next fixtures.
Next up for Uganda is a high-stakes clash against Niger and South Africa, who held group favorites Algeria to a hard-fought draw in their opening match. A win for the Cranes would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages. With momentum now firmly on their side, Ugandan fans will be hoping their team can maintain this winning spirit and march deeper into the tournament.
Photo: Zaabu Sports | Kamira Asha
