Uganda Cranes rose to the top of Group C with a 2-0 victory against Niger on Monday night, marking their first back-to-back wins in the CHAN tournament history. This result sets them firmly on the path to a potential quarter-final berth.*
The match saw Allan Okello opening the scoring for the hosts midway through the first half, following a brief setback after his penalty was saved. Just moments later, he made amends by heading in the first goal of the match in the 25th minute. Joel Sserunjogi then extended the lead with a well-placed shot just before the hour mark, ensuring Uganda maintained control throughout the game.
The match began with Uganda showcasing an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, applying pressure right from the start. Despite a missed penalty opportunity by Okello, his resilience shone through as he quickly contributed to the game’s momentum.
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa made crucial saves, denying Niger’s attempts to equalize, including a notable stop from Mohamed Abdouramane’s firm header. Uganda’s defensive unit stood strong, limiting Niger’s options and maintaining organization through the match.
Uganda’s second goal was a testament to their swift transitional play. Okello’s precise pass set up Sserunjogi, who skillfully finished from the edge of the area, further solidifying Uganda’s dominance.
Head coach Morley Byekwaso praised the tactical discipline and clean sheet delivered by his team. He made strategic substitutions to maintain fresh legs on the pitch, demonstrating effective game management that ensured Uganda’s lead remained intact until the final whistle.
Despite increasing pressure from Niger in the latter stages of the game, Uganda’s solid defensive shape held firm, with the visitors struggling to find a clear path to goal.
With this victory, Uganda has gained significant momentum following an initial defeat to Algeria. As they prepare for their final group match, the outlook is promising, with Okello shining as a key player, tallying two goals and an assist in the tournament.
Conversely, Harouna Doulla’s Niger side faces a challenging scenario, having lost both of their opening matches. They will need to regroup and find scoring solutions in their upcoming fixtures to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, Uganda’s performance highlights their growing maturity and determination, positioning them as strong contenders in Group C. The Cranes now sits atop the group with six points from three matches, ahead of Algeria and South Africa, both on four points, and Guinea with three. Niger remains at the bottom without any points.
