Guinea 0–3 Uganda
Uganda Cranes got off the mark in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign after sweeping aside Guinea 3-0 in a Group C clash under the Friday night lights at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Before a roaring crowd of 34,175, goals from Reagan Mpande, Allan Okello, and substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe not only secured Uganda’s first victory of the tournament but also rekindled hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Uganda looked transformed, confident in possession and purposeful in attack. Okello dictated the tempo in midfield, weaving through Guinea’s defensive lines and creating chances with his vision.
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa had the first fine save with a fingertip save to punch out a powerful header from corner.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute. A quick-thinking short corner from Okello found Joel Sserunjogi, whose pinpoint cross met Mpande’s perfectly timed bouncing header for the opener.
Uganda nearly doubled their advantage before halftime, but Okello declined to square a pass to onrushing Jude Ssemugabi and guided a shot wide.
Guinea pressed harder after the break, forcing Uganda to defend deep. Yet, the Cranes held firm and struck again on the hour mark. Okello was tripped in the box, and after a VAR review confirmed the foul, he stepped up to calmly slot home from the spot.
The Guineans thought they had a way back when they won a penalty minutes later, but VAR once again intervened, overturning the decision.
With time running out, Uganda sealed the win in the 89th minute. Karim Watambala turned provider, slipping a pass through for Ahimbisibwe, who rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net to spark wild celebrations.
The result lifts Uganda to second in Group C with three points—level with Guinea but ahead on goal difference—just one point behind leaders Algeria, who drew 1-1 with South Africa earlier.
South Africa sit on one point, while Niger remain pointless.
Uganda now turn their focus to their third group match against Niger on Monday, August 11, knowing a win could bring them closer to the next round.
Uganda Cranes Lineup
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Herbert Achai, Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach (C), Joel Sserunjogi, Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala, Allan Okello, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi
Substitutes: Denis Kiggundu, Nicholas Mwere, Usama Atafat, Elvis Ngonde, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Yunus Sentamu, Lazaro Bwambale, Chrispas Kusiima, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Arnold Odong, Gideon Odongo, Patrick Jonah Kakande
