Uganda Cranes one win away from historic first-ever CHAN knockout stage

Uganda Cranes’ CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarterfinal hopes are firmly in their own hands.

A win over South Africa on Monday will guarantee them a top-two finish in Group C and a historic first-ever knockout stage appearance in seven CHAN finals.

This opportunity comes after a remarkable turnaround following a disappointing 3-0 opening day defeat to Algeria, which left critics and doubters writing off the team even with three matches still to play.

Head coach Morley Byekwaso responded to that defeat by making four changes to the starting team, a move that has paid off to expectations. The new-look side clicked immediately by producing back-to-back victories, 3-0 against Guinea and 2-0 over Niger to bag six points and reignite hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

Byekwaso has since stuck with the winning team, and they have rewarded his trust with solid performances that have lifted the nation’s belief. A majority of the Cranes fans Vision Sport engaged are all confident that the team will beat South Africa. Apart from Joel Sserunjogi, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards, the rest of the team is fit and available for Monday’s decider.

Here is the winning team, it comprises of goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, Gavin Kizito, Herbert Achai, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Enock Ssebaggala, Abdulkarim Watambala, Joel Sserunjogi, Jude Ssemugabi, Reagan Mpande, and Allan Okello.

Key player assessments done by Vision Sport ahead of the South Africa clash.

Joel Mutakubwa, the goalkeeper has been excellent in commanding and organising the defence. He just needs to be alert to set pieces, an area that cost the Cranes against Algeria when Ayoub Ghezala scored from the corner kick.

Gavin Kizito, the right back, has improved defensively since the opening game. He just needs to contribute more offensively with crosses like modern fullback play.

Herbert Achai, the left back, has offered speed, accurate crosses, and attacking support. It was his cross against Niger that resulted in a penalty which Mpande won after being fouled in the box as he attempted to tap it home. He just needs to improve on his recovery runs to avoid being caught out of position.

Rogers Torach, he is the on-field captain of the team, he has been dominant in aerial duels and a strong leader in defence. He only needs to improve on pace to deal with South Africa’s speedy forwards, especially Thabiso Kutumela.

Hillary Mukundane, he is very energetic, quick, and reads the game well. He needs to improve on his composure when passing the ball to maintain possession and avoid reckless tackles inside the box.

Enock Ssebaggala, very silent on the pitch but tireless in defensive duties. Now that he will be playing with a different partner in that role, he will need to adapt quickly without Sserunjogi alongside him.

Abdulkarim Watambala, he is the creative link between midfield and attack. Capable of assisting and scoring. His vision has been key in both wins; he has one assist to his after he set up Ivan Ahimbisibwe to score in the 3-0 win over Guinea.

Reagan Mpande, he grabbed his chance with a debut goal against Guinea and has now established himself as a starter for as long as the Cranes stay in the tournament. He has the energy, confidence, and makes dangerous runs. He just needs to keep shooting to score more goals.

Allan Okello is considered by many analysts as the team’s heartbeat and chief playmaker. He is also the fans’ favourite with two goals scored and one assist. He needs to maintain his hunger and creativity because he is now more needed for the South Africa game than before.

Jude Ssemugabi, he has been good at stretching defences to create spaces for teammates. He just needs to be more clinical in front of goal because that is one area where he has struggled in the three matches he has played.