CHAN 2024: Uganda bounce back with stunning 3–0 win over Guinea

Kampala, Uganda — Uganda Cranes delivered a spirited response to their opening-day defeat at CHAN 2024, stunning Guinea 3–0 in front of a sold-out Mandela National Stadium on Friday night.

The performance left fans in awe, wondering where this attacking flair had been during Monday’s 3–0 loss to Algeria.

Head coach Morley Byekwaso’s tactical changes proved decisive. Debutant Reagan Mpande, replacing the injured Emmanuel Anyama, opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a powerful header after a short corner by Allan Okello, who passed the ball to Joel Sserunjogi.

Other changes included Hillary Mukundane, Herbert Achai, and Abdulkarim Watambala, all of whom added energy and precision to Uganda’s play.

The Cranes dominated the first half, with Allan Okello and Mpande tormenting Guinea’s defence from the wings. A compact midfield trio of Sserunjogi, Watambala, and Enock Ssebaggala controlled the tempo, while fullbacks Achai and Gavin Kizito impressed with their overlapping runs. Captain Rogers Torach and Mukundane anchored a solid backline, and goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa commanded his area with confidence.

In the second half, Uganda was awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Okello by Aboubacar Bangoura. Okello converted in the 61st minute, marking the first time Ugandan fans witnessed VAR in action at home, a moment that electrified the stadium.

Guinea had a penalty shout of their own, but VAR overturned the decision. Uganda remained composed, and substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe sealed the win with a third goal in the 89th minute.

The victory lifted Uganda to second place in Group C with three points, behind Algeria (four points). Guinea also has three points but drops to third due to head-to-head disadvantage. South Africa sits fourth with one point, while Niger is bottom with zero, having played just one match.

Adding to the celebration, President Yoweri Museveni pledged a sh1.2 billion bonus for every win Uganda secures during the tournament—a promise that now becomes reality.

CHAN 2024 is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with the three nations also set to host AFCON 2027.

Allan Okello was named Player of the Match for his standout performance.