- The CHAN 2024 quarterfinal clash between Uganda vs Senegal ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the defending champions.
- Oumar Ba’s second-half strike dealt a devastating blow to a packed Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Saturday evening.
- Uganda’s elimination marks the end of the road for all three tournament co-hosts, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda all of whom were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage.
Oumar Ba’s decisive goal in the second half delivered a crushing blow to a packed Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Saturday evening, as fans watched in dismay Uganda bow out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Cranes’ elimination marked the end of the road for all three co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who were ousted at the quarterfinal stage.
The East African trio had pinned their hopes on Uganda after Kenya fell to Madagascar in a dramatic penalty shootout on Friday, and Tanzania were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Morocco.
Uganda vs Senegal report
Despite being roared on by more than 36,000 fervent supporters, Uganda found themselves on the back foot early.
Senegal started the match with intensity, and within just three minutes, Libasse Gueye cut inside from the right and fired a menacing cross with his left foot.
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Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was forced to palm it away, conceding an early corner that nearly gave the visitors a shock lead.
The first half remained a tense and tactical battle until the 34th minute when Uganda finally posed a real threat.
Gavin Kizito launched a shot from the right side of the box, but it lacked power and Senegalese keeper Diouf comfortably collected it.
Uganda kept up the momentum, pushing Senegal back and forcing their goalkeeper into action multiple times as the half drew to a close.
However, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
Though the hosts controlled possession and dictated much of the play, they could not find the breakthrough, and the two sides went into the interval deadlocked at 0-0.
Senegal resumed the second half with the same intensity they had displayed in the opening minutes.
Uganda, however, appeared more organized defensively and tightened their structure at the back.
But in the 61st minute, the Lions of Terenga finally found the net.
After a prolonged search for the opener, Libasse Gueye delivered a pinpoint cross from the left wing, and Oumar Ba made no mistake calmly slotting it past the Ugandan defense, who will undoubtedly regret leaving him unmarked.
Uganda fought hard to respond, creating several promising opportunities, but they were repeatedly stifled by Senegal’s resolute midfield and disciplined backline.
The defending champions remained composed and launched two more dangerous counterattacks, though Uganda managed to fend them off.
Time was not on Uganda’s side.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Cranes could not find an equalizer, and Senegal advanced to the semifinals.
They now set their sights on a potential title defense, with Morocco awaiting them in the next round.
Uganda vs Senegal CHAN 2024 starting lineups
Uganda Cranes XI
Tacuba, Odong, Achayoi, Ssemugabi, Torach, Mpande, Okello, Sserunjogi, Ssebaggala, Watambala
Lions of Teranga XI
Marc, Ndiaye, Moussa, Gueye, Fonseca, Gomis, Oumar, Layousse, Ciss, Daouda, Badji
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