Senegal preserved their hopes of retaining the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship crown with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over co-hosts Uganda at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium on Saturday evening.
Oumar Ba’s well-taken goal just past the hour mark proved decisive as the Lions of Teranga weathered intense pressure from a spirited Uganda side to book their place in the semi-finals.
The result maintains Senegal’s impressive defensive record at the tournament whilst ending Uganda’s historic run at their first CHAN quarter-final appearance.
The match remained goalless through a cagey first half, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in front of a raucous crowd exceeding 35,000.
Uganda’s best chance before the interval fell to Allan Okello, whose powerful effort from distance was well saved by Senegal goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
The breakthrough arrived on 62 minutes through a moment of quality from the defending champions. Libasse Guèye’s dangerous cross from the right flank caught Uganda’s central defenders off guard, allowing Ba to steal in unmarked at the far post.
The striker made no mistake with his right-footed finish, finding the bottom corner past Joel Mutakubwa to give Senegal a precious lead.
Uganda responded with increased urgency, throwing players forward in search of the leveller that would keep their dream alive.
Substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe proved a constant threat after his introduction, forcing two fine saves from Diouf as the hosts ramped up the pressure.
The closest Uganda came to an equaliser was in the 68th minute when Gavin Kizito connected with an Okello corner, but his header sailed narrowly wide with Diouf stranded.
As the match entered its final stages, both Ahimbisibwe and Arnold Odong tested the Senegal stopper, but the experienced keeper held firm under intense pressure.
Despite registering more attempts on goal, Uganda lacked the clinical edge required at this level of competition.
Coach Souleymane Diallo’s side entered the quarter-final boasting the tournament’s best defensive record, and they demonstrated precisely why throughout the encounter.
Centre-backs Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse were commanding presences at the heart of defence, dealing expertly with Uganda’s aerial bombardment in the closing stages.
Diouf’s assured performance between the posts proved equally crucial, with the goalkeeper making several important interventions to preserve his side’s advantage.
Strategic substitutions also played their part, with Moctar Koïté and Vieux Cissé providing fresh impetus in attack, whilst Mbaye Ndiaye’s introduction added energy to the midfield.
Whilst the final whistle brought heartbreak for Morley Byekwaso’s charges, their overall tournament performance represents a significant milestone for Ugandan football.
The Cranes had never previously progressed beyond the group stage in six CHAN attempts, making their quarter-final appearance all the more remarkable.
Their group stage campaign, which saw them finish ahead of Algeria and South Africa, showcased genuine progress under Byekwaso’s guidance.
Okello’s tournament tally of three goals, combined with the tireless work rate of players like Ssemugabi and their memorable comeback victory over South Africa, has provided supporters with genuine optimism for the future.
The home crowd’s warm applause as their team departed the pitch reflected recognition of a campaign that has restored national pride in the domestic game.
Senegal’s victory sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Morocco as they bid to reach consecutive CHAN finals.
For Uganda, the focus now shifts to building upon this breakthrough performance, with Byekwaso adamant his squad “will learn and return stronger” from this experience.
While the Mandela Stadium may have fallen silent after Ba’s crucial strike, Uganda’s impressive showing throughout CHAN 2024 suggests this represents the beginning rather than the end of their continental ambitions.
