CHAN: Uganda moves top of Group C with shutout of Niger

The Uganda Cranes are in full flight at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a 2-0 victory over Niger to conclude Monday’s action from Group C at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Uganda playmaker Allan Okello scored and then set up Joel Sserungogi for the second goal to put the Cranes beyond reach for their second consecutive victory at the tournament.

A festive atmosphere in the Ugandan capital inspired the CHAN co-hosts, who followed up their excellent performance against Guinea with another dominant effort against the Menas of Niger.

Around the 20th minute, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review gave Uganda the first major opportunity of the match when Niger defender Admou Djibo’s legs got tangled with those of Uganda attacker Reagan Mpande. Okello’s spot kick was excellently saved by Niger goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja but the ball went off the crossbar and fell kindly for Okello who nodded past a scrambling Tanja.

Niger displayed capable play in the buildup but failed to test Cranes keeper Joel Mutabkubwa, lacking numbers in the final third to trouble the Ugandan defense.

Uganda put the game beyond reach in the 56th minute. Midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala won the ball in the center of the pitch and deftly maneuvered away from two Nigerien defenders to send Mpanda into space on the left wing. Mpande’s cross went beyond the far post, where Okello collected and laid off a pass for Sserunjogi to curl a first-time effort beyond the reach of Tanja and another Nigerien defender.

The co-hosts are now top of Group C with two wins from three games but still have work to do. After a week off, the Cranes will face South Africa in an important game that could determine whether they qualify for the quarterfinals. Niger, with defeats from their first two games, now must win their remaining matches against South Africa (Friday) and Algeria (August 18) to have any hopes of advancing.

Group C Table

1. Uganda- 6 points (3 games played)
2. Algeria- 4 points (2 games)
3. South Africa- 4 points (2 games)
4. Guinea- 3 points (3 games)
5. Niger- 0 points (2 games)