Uganda Edge Closer to CHAN Quarter-Finals with Historic 2–0 Win over Niger

Uganda’s home crowd at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium roared with pride on Monday night as the Cranes climbed to the summit of Group C with a composed 2–0 victory over Niger in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

The result not only secured back-to-back CHAN wins for the first time in the nation’s history but also put head coach Morley Byekwaso’s men within touching distance of a quarter-final berth. Goals from Allan Okello and Joel Sserunjogi sealed a performance built on control, discipline, and tactical maturity.

Uganda began with a clear intent in their 4-3-3 shape, pressing high and stretching Niger’s defensive lines through the width of wingers and overlapping full-backs. Early on, Jude Ssemugabi twice came close — first glancing a header wide from Herbert Achayi’s delivery (11’), then nodding narrowly off target after the interval (48’).

The turning point arrived midway through the first half. On 20 minutes, Reagan Mpande was tripped inside the area, prompting a VAR review that confirmed the penalty and booked Adamou Djibo. However, Okello’s low strike from the spot was well saved by Mahamadou Tanja.

Uganda’s disappointment was short-lived. Just two minutes later, sustained pressure paid off when Okello, showing a striker’s instinct, ghosted into the six-yard box to head home (25’).

Niger’s best first-half moment came quickly after, but Joel Mutakubwa reacted sharply to tip away Mohamed Abdouramane’s powerful header (27’).

The second goal — and arguably the game’s most clinical move — arrived in the 56th minute. Winning possession in midfield, Okello surged forward before threading a perfectly weighted pass into Sserunjogi’s path. The forward took one touch and rifled into the top-left corner from close range, a finish that drew a wave of celebration from the stands.

Though Niger rallied with a period of set-piece pressure between the 66th and 72nd minutes, Uganda’s backline, marshalled by Gavin Kizito and Hilary Mukundane, stayed compact and decisive in the air. Mutakubwa’s late interventions, particularly during stoppage time, ensured the clean sheet remained intact.

Coach Byekwaso’s emphasis on defensive shape was evident. Achayi balanced attacking surges with timely recovery runs, while midfield anchor Enock Ssebagala kept transitions flowing until injury forced him off. Substitutions were calculated — Elvis Ngonde came in to bolster the left flank, Patrick Kakande added fresh energy in midfield, and late cameos from Arafat Usama and Ivan Ahimbisibwe helped see out the win.

While Sserunjogi’s early yellow card (8’) and a few clustered fouls offered Niger some territory, the Cranes’ penalty-box protection meant most threats came from headers rather than shots in open play.

After South Africa’s earlier 2–1 win over Guinea, Uganda’s victory pushes them to six points from three games, ahead of Algeria (4 points, 2 matches), South Africa (4 points, 2 matches), and Guinea (3 points, 3 matches). Niger remain bottom without a point and must win their remaining games to stand any chance of survival.

For Uganda, the equation is simple: avoid defeat in their final group match and a historic quarter-final place will be theirs.

This was a professional, measured performance — a strong start, resilient middle, and assured finish. Okello’s recovery from a missed penalty to score and assist showed mental strength, while Mutakubwa’s composure under pressure capped Uganda’s second successive clean sheet.

Byekwaso’s men are peaking at the right time, and as things stand, Group C’s path to the knockout rounds runs directly through Kampala.