Scoring through the Years: Uganda Cranes’ six consecutive TotalEnergies CHAN editions ahead of 2024 showpiece

With the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) fast approaching, Uganda is bracing to co-host its biggest football tournament yet — alongside Kenya and Tanzania — from 2nd to 30th August 2025. For Uganda Cranes, this will not only be a historic hosting moment but also a chance to rewrite their CHAN legacy.

Since their tournament debut in 2011, the Cranes have qualified for six straight editions, becoming a consistent feature in the continental showpiece for home-based players. Though a spot in the knockout stage has eluded them, the Cranes have showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly through individual goal-scoring moments.

Here’s a detailed review of Uganda’s performances in each of the past six CHAN tournaments, with a focus on their groups, host nations, results, standings, and all goal scorers:

2011 – Sudan (Group A) | Coach: Bobby Williamson

Group: Sudan, Uganda, Algeria, Gabon
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 0-2 Algeria
Uganda 1-2 Gabon
Uganda 0-1 Sudan
Final Position: 4th in Group
Goalscorer:
Ibrahim Sadam Juma (penalty vs Gabon)
Total Goals: 1

Uganda marked its CHAN debut with a spirited showing despite losing all three group games. Sadam Juma etched his name in history as Uganda’s first CHAN goal scorer.

2014 – South Africa (Group B | Coach: Milutin “Micho” Sredojević

Group: Uganda, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Morocco
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 2-1 Burkina Faso
Uganda 0-0 Zimbabwe
Uganda 1-3 Morocco
Final Position: 3rd in Group
Goalscorer:
Yunus Sentamu (2 vs Burkina Faso, 1 vs Morocco)
Total Goals: 3

Sentamu announced himself on the continental stage with a stunning brace against Burkina Faso — Uganda’s first CHAN win — and added another against Morocco.

2016 – Rwanda (Group D) | Coach: Milutin “Micho” Sredojević

Group: Uganda, Mali, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 2-2 Mali
Uganda 0-1 Zambia
Uganda 1-1 Zimbabwe
Final Position: 3rd in Group
Goalscorers:
Faruku Miya (vs Mali)
Joseph Ochaya (vs Mali)
Geoffrey Sserunkuma (vs Zimbabwe)
Total Goals: 3

The Cranes showed competitiveness but fell short of progression once more. Miya and Ochaya starred in a thrilling opener against Mali.

2018 – Morocco (Group B | Coach: Sébastien Desabre

Group: Uganda, Zambia, Namibia, Ivory Coast
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 1-3 Zambia
Uganda 0-1 Namibia
Uganda 0-0 Ivory Coast
Final Position: 4th in Group
Goalscorer:
Derrick Nsibambi (vs Zambia)
Total Goals: 1

This was a difficult campaign. Nsibambi’s goal against Zambia was the only spark in an otherwise goalless and winless run.

2020 – Cameroon (Group C) | Coach: Jonathan McKinstry

Group: Uganda, Rwanda, Togo, Morocco
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 0-0 Rwanda
Uganda 1-2 Togo
Uganda 2-5 Morocco
Final Position: 4th in Group
Goalscorers:
Saidi Kyeyune (1 vs Togo, 1 vs Morocco)
Ibrahim Orit (1 vs Morocco)
Total Goals: 3

A strong start was followed by heavy defeats. Kyeyune’s midfield efforts and Orit’s strike were silver linings in a goal-laden campaign.

2022 – Algeria (Group B | Coach: Milutin “Micho” Sredojević

Group: Uganda, Senegal, Ivory Coast, DR Congo
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 0-0 DR Congo
Uganda 1-0 Senegal
Uganda 1-3 Ivory Coast
Final Position: 3rd in Group
Goalscorers:
Milton Karisa (vs Senegal)
Moses Waiswa (penalty vs Ivory Coast)
Total Goals: 2

A tournament that almost changed Uganda’s fortunes. The win over Senegal and a gritty draw with DR Congo gave fans hope before the final group setback.

CHAN Summary (2011–2022)

Tournaments Played: 6
Total Matches: 18
Total Goals Scored: 13
Total Goals Conceded: 27
Knockout Appearances: None

2024 Edition: The Turning Point?

Now, with CHAN returning to East Africa and Uganda set to host matches for the first time ever, expectations are high. The Cranes are drawn in Group C alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa, and will open their campaign on August 4th against Algeria at the revamped Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Head coach Morley Byekwaso has assembled a squad combining proven experience and young promise. The likes of Allan Okello (captain), Yunus Sentamu, Usama Arafat, and Enock Ssebagala are expected to inspire the team forward.

With home support, Uganda Cranes will not only seek more goals but aim to finally reach the knockout stage and perhaps script their most memorable CHAN chapter yet.