Uganda Cranes secured a 2-0 victory over Niger in their CHAN group fixture, with second-half dominance sealing the result at Mandela National Stadium.
At halftime, Uganda led 1-0. In the 54th minute, Vipers SC midfielder Enock Ssebagala was forced off with an injury and replaced by SC Villa’s Elvis Ngondwe.
Just two minutes later, KCCA forward Joel Serunjogi, already on a yellow card from the first half, doubled Uganda’s lead with a clinical finish.
In the 77th minute, head coach Morley Byekwaso brought on SC Villa’s Patrick Kakande for Vipers playmaker Allan Okello.
Later, in the 87th minute, Kitara’s Jude Semugabi and SC Villa’s Reagan Mpade were replaced by KCCA duo Kiza Usama and Ivan Ahimbisibwe — the latter having scored Uganda’s third goal in their previous match against Guinea.
Despite additional time, Niger failed to find the net, sealing Uganda’s 2–0 win. Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubuwa of Bul was named Man of the Match for his commanding performance between the posts.
Uganda, who top Group C with six points from three games, play their final group game on Friday against South Africa in what could determine the team that advances to the knockout round.
The Cranes have never progressed beyond the group state in six attempts and the Bafana Bafana, who beat Guinea 2-1 earlier today, could be their direct rivals for the second team to progress.
With both teams having played Algeria, the North Africans are primed to top the group or at least qualify for the next round.
