CHAN 2024 Group C – Monday, August 18
Algeria v Niger 8pm (Nyayo Stadium)
Uganda v South Africa 8pm (Namboole Stadium)
Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s national men’s football team, the Cranes, need just a point to book their place in their first-ever quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 when they face South Africa in their final Group C fixture at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday.
Uganda sit top of Group C with six points after three matches. They opened the campaign with a 3–0 loss to hosts Algeria in Kampala, but bounced back strongly with a 3–0 win over Guinea and a 2–0 victory against Niger.
Friday’s group matches kept Uganda in pole position. Algeria needed a last-minute equaliser to secure a 1–1 draw with Guinea, moving them to five points, while Niger frustrated South Africa in a goalless draw.
South Africa, now third with five points, must beat Uganda to advance, while Niger—already eliminated—will take on Algeria in the other decisive group tie.
The Cranes’ revival has been anchored on discipline, resilience, and standout performances.
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa has led from the back with crucial saves, including a man-of-the-match performance against Niger, where he kept his second consecutive clean sheet.
Playmaker Allan Okello has been central to Uganda’s creativity, scoring and assisting in key moments, while Reagan Mpande’s tireless midfield work, Joel Sserunjogi’s pace and goals, and Hilary Mukundane’s defensive solidity have also been pivotal.
Sserunjogi, who scored against Niger, will miss Monday’s clash through suspension, but Uganda remain confident of finishing the job on home soil.
The showdown against South Africa at Namboole promises to be a decisive and historic night for the Cranes as they chase a long-awaited place in the knockout stages.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
