Uganda Cranes wrapped up their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) preparations with a confident 2-1 win over Senegal on Thursday at the Black Rhino Sports Centre in Arusha, Tanzania.
The win came in their final game of a three-nation pre-CHAN tournament and gave the squad a timely morale boost ahead of the group stage, which begins August 4 at Namboole Stadium.
After a narrow 1-0 loss to hosts Tanzania earlier in the week, head coach Morley Byekwaso rotated heavily, keeping only goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa from the previous lineup. The changes brought fresh energy, with the team looking more balanced and sharper—especially after halftime.
The first half ended goalless, though Uganda had their chances. Emmanuel Anyama came close in the 28th minute, while Mutakubwa produced a vital save to deny Ameth Niang late in the half.
Uganda returned from the break with renewed urgency. Mutakubwa was replaced by Chrispus Kusiima, and the Cranes quickly took control.
Their breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Arnold Odong finished off a fluid build-up to make it 1-0. Just four minutes later, Uganda earned a penalty after Jude Ssemugabi was fouled in the box. Patrick Jonah Kakande stepped up and buried it to double the lead.
Senegal pulled one back in the 88th minute through Serigne Mocta Keite, who bundled in from close range, but Uganda held firm to close out the win.
The Cranes are drawn in Group C and will open their CHAN campaign against 2022 finalists Algeria on August 4. They will also face Guinea, Niger, and South Africa in what promises to be a demanding group.
Uganda has never advanced beyond the group stage in any previous CHAN tournament, but with home support and momentum on their side, Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza’s squad will be hoping to break new ground this year.
