Brave Uganda fall short as Senegal march into CHAN last four

CAF African Nations Championship CHAN 2024
Quarterfinal
Saturday 
Uganda 0 Senegal 1

Despite dominating much of the contest, Uganda Cranes bowed out of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal in the quarterfinal clash played on Saturday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Senegal forward Oumar Ba struck the decisive goal in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse after Uganda failed to clear a throw-in. Ba pounced on the loose ball and calmly slotted into the right corner past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

Roared on by a fully packed Namboole crowd, the Cranes pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, but the Lions of Teranga stood firm to secure their place in the semifinals.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for both players and fans, given Uganda’s spirited display. The Cranes were arguably the better side throughout the game, creating several chances but failing to convert.

In the first half, Uganda pressed Senegal through Jude Ssemugabi, Reagan Mpande and Abdulkarim Watambala, but none managed to find a way past the inspired Senegal goalkeeper Diouf . The champions, by contrast, mustered just one serious attempt before halftime.

The Cranes’ momentum suffered a major setback on the stroke of halftime when danger man Ssemugabi picked up an injury and was stretchered off, replaced by Ivan Ahimbisibwe. His absence was sorely felt in the second half as Uganda lost pace and penetration in attack.

Even then, the Cranes came agonisingly close to levelling late in the match. Both Ahimbisibwe and Patrick Kakande were denied by heroic goal-line clearances from the Senegal defence.

Uganda’s exit means all three East African co-hosts are now out of the competition, with Kenya and Tanzania having fallen at the same stage to Madagascar and Morocco respectively.

While elimination at the quarterfinals brought disappointment, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania will take pride in achieving their best-ever performances at CHAN—each reaching the last eight for the first time. It is a milestone that underlines the steady progress of East African football on the continental stage.