Karatu, Tanzania: The Uganda Cranes reignited their CHAN 2024 preparations with a commanding 2–1 victory over defending champions Senegal in their second fixture of the CECAFA pre-CHAN Invitational Tournament at the Black Rhino Sports Centre Stadium in Karatu.
After a narrow 1–0 defeat to hosts Tanzania in their opening match, Morley Byekwaso’s charges returned with renewed energy and tactical clarity, displaying better organization, urgency, and coordination across the pitch.
Uganda nearly broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when forward Emmanuel Anyama missed a golden opportunity, firing wide from inside the box. Senegal responded with pressure of their own, as Joseph Layousse Samb and Ameth Niang threatened Uganda’s goal, but were kept at bay by shot-stopper Joel Mutakubwa.
The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when Arnord Odong pounced on a defensive mix-up to slot home from close range, giving Uganda a deserved 1–0 lead. Three minutes later, substitute Patrick Kakande converted from the penalty spot after Senegal goalkeeper Marc Philips Arona brought down a Ugandan attacker in the area, doubling the Cranes’ lead.
Senegal mounted a late response and pulled one back in the 88th minute through Serigne Moctar Koite, but Uganda held on to secure a morale-boosting win ahead of the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament.
Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso commended his players for their improved showing. “I am happy we managed to win the match, but also push more in attack and defending well,” he said.
The result keeps Uganda in contention in the regional mini-tournament and injects crucial confidence into the CHAN-bound squad as they fine-tune before their August 4 opener against Algeria at Namboole Stadium in Kampala.
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