- Uganda Cranes secured a vital 3-0 win over Guinea on Friday night at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala
- Friday’s results leaves Group C open with all teams still having a chance to reach the knockouts
Uganda Cranes secured a vital 3-0 win over Guinea on Friday night at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The resounding victory kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive after being hammered 3-0 by Algeria in their opening TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 last week.
Regan Mpande set Cranes on their way to victory with a brilliant header in the 31st minute before Allan Okello doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. Ivan Ahimbisibwe then sealed the win for Uganda in the dying minutes of the game after catching Guinea on counter.
Uganda head coach Morley Byekwaso, who made six major changes before kick-off, said he was happy with how his players responded after being thrashed by Algeria in their opener.
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“I am happy with the way the players have responded scoring three goals and getting a win.” CECAFA quotes Morley Byekwaso.
In another Group C fixture played on Friday, Algeria were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Algeria, who are among the favorites to win CHAN 2024, currently lead group C with 4 points, followed by Uganda who have three points. Guinea also have three points but are below Uganda on the standings due on goal difference.
Uganda Cranes Thrash Guinea 3-0
Thousands of Uganda fans pulled up at Nelson Mandela National Stadium to support the Cranes despite being humbled 3-0 by Algerian in their opening Group C fixture last week. Head coach Byekwaso made six changes to his starting XI, including starting Joel Mutakubwa in goal over Denis Kiggundu.
The boys at home responded to the support from fans by starting the game with urgency as they knew anything less than a win could jeopardize their chances of proceeding to the knockouts of CHAN 2024. Despite showing brilliance when attacking, it was Guinea who actually had the first dangerous attack of the match.
Regan Mpande eventually gave Uganda Cranes the lead after 31 minutes with a powerful header past goalkeeper Ousmane Camara. Guinea, who beat Niger in their opening fixture, responded to Uganda’s opener by trying to break into their defense. However, Uganda’s solid defending made it difficult for the visitors to create any serious threat before the break.
Guinea continued to attack after the break but things got worse for them five minutes after the hour mark when Bashir Bangoura fouled Allan Okello in the box. The referee intially allowed play to continue but awarded the penalty after checking the replay on the pitch-side monitor. Okello made no mistake as he converted from the spot to double Uganda’s lead.
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Guinea coach Soulaumane Camara made three changes, introducing Moussa Camara, Ismael Camara and Youla, in an attempt to have his side get back into the match. The visitor’s press nearly paid off six minutes later when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Mohamed Lamine Youla went down in the box. However, VAR check overruled the decision and Guinea were left with a mountain to climb.
Uganda substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe got his name on the scoresheet when he completed his team’s perfect counter attack with a goal in the 89th minute.
Friday’s results leaves Group C open with all teams still having a chance to reach the knockouts. South Africa with one point will require a win in their final group fixture next week and a favorable result elsewhere to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
