Namboole, Kampala: Uganda Cranes coach Byekwaso earned plaudits after his tactical tweaks helped the team bounce back from their opening defeat to Algeria, sealing a convincing 3-0 victory over Guinea in their second Group C fixture at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The co-hosts, playing in front of a spirited home crowd of 34,175 at Mandela National Stadium, started strongly with a commanding performance built on discipline, pace, and ruthless attack.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when SC Villa’s Reagan Mpande rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross, sending the home fans into early celebration.
Uganda continued to dominate the game’s tempo and created numerous chances, looking sharper and more confident than in their first outing.
In the second half, Uganda doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Vipers SC Forward, and eventual Man of the Match Allan Okello coolly converted a penalty after being fouled inside the Guinea box.
The Cranes showed composure and resilience despite Guinea’s efforts to get back into the game, including a disallowed penalty after a VAR intervention.
As the game approached its climax, Cranes’ late substitute, Ivan Ahimbisibwe sealed the win with a sublime individual goal in the 89th minute, weaving past Guinea’s defence and goalkeeper before slotting home to the delight of the home crowd.
Uganda’s 3-0 triumph sends a clear message to the rest of Group C — the Cranes are back in contention and will look to build on this victory in their next fixture against Niger, who has no match this round.
The deserved victory also eases pressure on the team ahead of their final group match, setting up a thrilling fight for knockout qualification.
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