Namboole, Uganda: Uganda Cranes’ CHAN 2024 campaign ended in heartbreak on Saturday as Oumar Ba’s second-half strike sent the co-hosts out of the tournament, with the defending champions Senegal claiming a 1-0 victory at Namboole Stadium.
The first half was cagey, with both teams creating sporadic chances. Uganda’s Reagan Mpande and Abdul Karim Watambala proved lively upfront, but the final touch was missing from the home side’s attack.
On the other hand, the Lions of Teranga struggled initially but gradually gained control in midfield, keeping the Cranes on the back foot.
The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Oumar Ba capitalized on a defensive lapse inside cranes box to slot the ball past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, giving the Western Africa side a crucial lead.
Uganda responded with attacking substitutions, introducing Patrick Kakande, Yunus Ssentamu, and Kiza Usama, but the home side could not find a way back.
Despite 34,202 fans roaring them on, Uganda was unable to break Senegal’s defensive resilience. The Cranes’ fairytale run ended in ruins, and they now shift focus to their next encounter in next months World Cup Qualifiers.
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