Revamped Cranes edge Senegal as Uganda ramps up for CHAN 2025

Africa Nations Championship 2024 (CHAN)

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

August 2-30

CECAFA Three Nations Tournament

Thursday Result

Uganda 2 Senegal 1

A revamped Uganda Cranes side delivered a spirited performance on Thursday, defeating Senegal 2-1 in their second and final match of the CECAFA Three Nations Tournament at the Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, Arusha, Tanzania.

Following a 1-0 loss to Tanzania on Tuesday, head coach Morley Byekwaso made sweeping changes to his squad, and the results were immediate. SC Villa defenders Arnold Odong and Patrick Kakande were the heroes, each netting in the second half to hand Uganda a morale-boosting win.

Odong opened the scoring in the 64th minute, tapping in Jude Ssemugabi’s dipping corner. Just three minutes later, substitute Kakande doubled Uganda’s lead from the penalty spot. Senegal’s consolation came late in the 88th minute through Serigne Moctar.

Although the Cranes showed marked improvement in intensity and organization compared to their previous outing, some vulnerabilities remain, particularly in ball retention and passing accuracy. These are areas Byekwaso will need to address before the final CHAN preparations commence back home.

Midfielders Joel Sserunjogi and Enock Ssebagala offered composure and solidity in the middle of the park, forming a far more cohesive unit than the duo of Abdulkarim Watambala and Marvin Youngman, who struggled against Tanzania. With four midfielders vying for two spots, Byekwaso faces a selection dilemma ahead of the CHAN finals.

The attacking line also saw adjustments, with Emmanuel Anyama and Arafat Usama starting ahead of Yunus Sentamu and Allan Okello. However, the new forward setup failed to significantly outshine the previous combination, indicating that further work is needed in the attacking third.

Overall, the Cranes' performance against Senegal, the defending champions of CHAN 2022 was a step in the right direction and should give both players and coaches a boost of confidence heading into the final tournament scheduled for August 2-30.

Uganda Gears Up for CHAN 2024

Meanwhile, in Kampala, the CHAN Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Thursday provided an update on Uganda’s preparedness to host part of the CHAN 2024 tournament. During a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, LOC’s spokesperson Denis Mugimba reassured the public that Uganda is ready to host Group C fixtures, a quarterfinal, a semifinal, and the third-place playoff, all at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

According to Mugimba, all local preparations are complete, with outstanding issues tied to CAF, including ticketing details, stadium branding, Entebbe International Airport branding, and roads in Kampala.

In a further boost to the tournament’s profile, President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the Minister of Education and Sports, are expected to officially launch CHAN 2024 on Friday at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.