By Joshua Kato
In an energetic and tense game in Karatu – Arusha, Uganda Cranes defeated CHAN defending champions Senegal 2-1.
Despite falling shot against hosts Tanzania on Tuesday, the Cranes went into the Senegal game heads up and optimistic for a win which went in their favour at Karatu stadium.
SC Villa’s defender Arnold Odongo opened up the scoring for the Cranes in the 64th minute after a corner kick by Patrick Jonah Kakande.
Kakande doubled Uganda’s lead from the penalty spot after Senegal goalkeeper Marc Philips Arona fouled forward Jude Ssemugabi in the 67th minute.
Serigne Moctar Koite’s goal for Senegal in the 88th minute wasn’t enough for the Lions of Teranga to grab a point as the game ended 2-1 in favour of Uganda.
Uganda Cranes now shift sight on the CHAN Tournament scheduled for 2nd to 30th August 2025.
Uganda is in group C with South Africa, Algeria, Niger and Guinea.
Cranes kick off the tournament on 4th August against Algeria at Namboole National Stadium.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are co-host of the belated CHAN 2024 tournament.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Lazaro Muhindo, Gideon Odongo, Hilary Mukundane, Arnold Odong, Enock Ssebagala, Reagan Mpande, Joel Sserunjogi, Emmanuel Anyama, Elvis Ngonde, Usama Arafat
Subs: Chrispus Kusiima (G.K), Denis Kiggundu (G.K), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Jerome Kirya, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Herbert Achayi, Abdul Karim Watambala, Rogers Torach Ochaki, Jude Ssemugabi, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Yunus Junior Sentamu
Officials:
- Head coach: Morley Byekwaso
- Assistant coach: Fred Muhumuza
- Goalkeeping coach: Billy Kiggundu
- Fitness coach: Louis
- Team doctor: Ivan Ssewanyana
- Kits manager: Samuel Mulondo
- Team manager: Geofrey Massa
Senegal XI: Marc Philips Arona (G.K), Baye Assane Ciss (Captain), Mbaye Sseyni Ndiaye, Joseph Layousse Samb, Daouda Ba, Mbaye Yaya Ly, Moussa Cisse, Pape Abasse Badji, Libasse Gueye, Ameth Niang, Chrisian Gomis
Subs: Samba Mbalo (G.K), El Hadji Malick Sembene, Mapathe Mbodji, Serigne Moctar Koite, Ababacar Sarr, Issa Kane, Bonaventure Bonito
Officials:
- Head coach: Diallo Souleymane
- Assistant coach: Joseph Wagane Sengor
- Goalkeepers’ coach: Khadim Faye
- Fitness coach: Assane Faye
- Team doctor: Oumar Ndoye
- Equipment manager: Cherif Camara
Match officials:
- Referee: Ahmed Arajiga (Tanzania)
- 1st Assistant referee: Emery Niyongabo (Burundi)
- 2nd Assistant referee: Ali Hamdani (Tanzania)
- 4th official: Dickens Mimisa (Kenya)
- Referee Assessor: Ali Mohamed Ahmed (Somali)
- Commissioner: Sara Chao (Tanzania)
- Protocol: Veronica Lusichi (Kenya)
- Doctor: Dr. Manfred Limbanga (Tanzania)
- Security officer: Hashim Abdallah (Tanzania)
- Media officer: Andrew Jackson Oryada (Uganda)
- General coordinator: Kevin Were (Kenya)
- Assistant General coordinator: Norbert Hongoli (Tanzania)
