CHAN 2024: Uganda Dominates Guinea; South Africa Holds Algeria
Co-hosts Uganda reignited their hopes of advancing in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a commanding 3-0 victory over Guinea in Kampala. The Cranes, who faced a tough start with a loss to Algeria in their opener, needed a strong performance to stay in contention.
Reagan Mpande opened the scoring for Uganda in the 30th minute, heading home a precise cross from Joel Sserunjogi. This crucial goal eased the pressure on the home side, allowing them to build momentum as they sought to secure points in Group C.
Ugandan captain Allan Okello played a pivotal role in the match, doubling the lead in the 62nd minute by converting a penalty after being fouled in the box. The victory was sealed when substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe netted a last-minute goal, bringing the final score to 3-0 and ensuring that Uganda earned all three points.
In earlier action on the same day, South Africa marked their return to the championships after an 11-year absence by holding Algeria to a 1-1 draw. The Desert Foxes took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Abdennour Belhocini struck a powerful left-foot shot from outside the box, giving Algeria an early advantage.
Despite being outplayed for much of the match, South Africa showed resilience and tenacity. Veteran striker Thabiso Kutumela leveled the score at the stroke of halftime, taking advantage of a midfield combination to find the back of the net. His equalizer sparked jubilation among the South African fans, earning Bafana Bafana their first point of the tournament.
Algeria remains at the top of Group C with four points from two matches, while Uganda’s victory keeps their hopes of progression alive.
