Okello and Sserunjogi fire Uganda to CHAN summit with 2–0 win over Niger
Knowing that only a win would keep their qualification hopes firmly in their own hands, Uganda started with intent, dominating possession and applying early pressure.
PHOTOS: Ismail Mulangwa
By Yekoyada Saaka
Journalists @New Vision
CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024
Group C
Yesterday
Uganda 2 Niger 0
South Africa 2 Guinea 1
Today
Group D
Senegal v Congo 5pm
Sudan v Nigeria 8pm
Allan Okello and Joel Sserunjogi struck in either half as the Uganda Cranes defeated Niger 2–0 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday evening to climb to the top of Group C in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Knowing that only a win would keep their qualification hopes firmly in their own hands, Uganda started with intent, dominating possession and applying early pressure.
Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi, and Okello all had chances within the opening 20 minutes, but couldn’t convert.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Mpande was brought down in the box while trying to connect with Herbert Achai’s cross. Although play initially continued, Malian referee Ousmane Diakate was called to the pitchside monitor by VAR. After a brief review, he pointed to the spot.
Okello’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Mahamadou Kassali, but the midfielder reacted fastest, heading in the rebound to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Uganda pressed for a second, with Mpande, Okello, and Ssemugabi continuing to threaten, but the first half ended with the hosts holding a slender lead.
The Cranes returned from the break with renewed energy, but Niger responded with urgency, pushing for an equaliser. Uganda’s pressure paid off again in the 55th minute when Okello turned provider, threading a pinpoint pass to Sserunjogi, who rifled home to double the advantage. The stadium erupted once more.
From there, Uganda managed the game expertly, defending with discipline and composure to secure back-to-back wins and position themselves as strong contenders for a quarterfinal berth.
As it stands, Uganda leads Group C with six points, followed by Algeria and South Africa, both on four points, with Algeria ahead on goal difference. Guinea sits fourth with three points, while Niger, winless after two matches, teeters on the edge of elimination.
Uganda will wrap up their group campaign against South Africa next Monday. A win would guarantee a top-two finish and a historic place in the knockout stages.
