CHAN: Improved Uganda surge past Guinea to revive hopes

2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosts Uganda delivered a much needed victory to their home supporters in Kampala on Friday evening with a 3-0 result over Guinea in Group C action.

Allan Okello’s clever penalty kick in the second half put the Cranes beyond reach and restored hope to their CHAN campaign after a devastating opening match defeat to Algeria. Uganda looked noticeably imrpoved with more focus to their high level of energy while Guinea failed to build off momentum gained from a victory over Niger in their previous game.

An energetic start from the co-hosts put the Syli National on the back foot. After struggling to find quality in the final third much like in their opening game, Uganda got the breakthough they needed just after the half hour mark. A short free kick on the right wing was collected by Joel Sserunjogi, whose floated cross found the head of Reagan Mpande to open Uganda’s account at the tournament.

Uganda’s high level of effort was maintained in the second half and it was superstar Okello who provided the decisive moment. Shortly after the hour mark, the Vipers SC playmaker received the ball on the edge of the Guinean penalty area and a swift move drew a foul just inside the box to win a penalyt kick.

Okello interestingly stood on the ball and converted his spot kick from a standing position without a run-up to put the ball beyond the reach of Syli goalkeeper Ousmane Camara.

The frustrations continued for Guinea who were denied a penalty kick by the Video Assistant Referee after the replay showed that Mohamed Youla clearly took a dive on an attempt to win a spot kick. Uganda continued to press and late on it was substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe who added one more goal to cap off a decisive victory.

Uganda now have renewed hope but two difficult games remaining in Group C, the first of which will be on Monday against Niger. Guinea will also be in action on Monday with a clash against South Africa that could prove decisive in the chase for a place in the quarterfinals.