CHAN2024: Uganda join fellow co-hosts through the exit door after defeat to Senegal
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 23.08.25. | 19:18
Oumar Ba’s decisive strike two minutes past the hour mark proved the difference in a match full of drama, intensity, and missed opportunities
Defending African Nations Championship (CHAN) champions Senegal marched into the semi-finals after edging out co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tightly contested quarter-final clash at the Namboole Stadium on Saturday evening.
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Oumar Ba’s decisive strike two minutes past the hour mark proved the difference in a match full of drama, intensity, and missed opportunities.
The Lions of Teranga held their nerve under relentless Ugandan pressure to book their place in the last four, while the Cranes became the latest co-hosts to bow out after Kenya and Tanzania suffered elimination on Friday evening.
As expected, the encounter got underway at a blistering pace, with both sides aware of what was at stake.
Senegal threatened first through Libasse Gueye in the fifth minute, his stinging shot forcing goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa into a sharp save.
The resultant corner was nervously dealt with by Uganda skipper Rogers Ochaki, who stood tall in defence.
Uganda responded swiftly, creating openings through Jude Ssemugabi and Reagan Mpande, who combined well with Allan Okello to unsettle Senegal’s backline.
Ssemugabi, in particular, caused problems with his dribbling and pace, but a combination of last-ditch tackles from Baye Assane and quick reactions from goalkeeper Moussa Cisse kept the Cranes at bay.
The Cranes continued to push forward, with Mpande and Abdul Karim Watambala testing Senegal’s resolve, while Okello narrowly missed the target just before the break.
Despite Uganda’s dominance in attacking play, Senegal remained dangerous on the counter, with Christian Gomis and Pape Badji threatening to snatch the opener against the run of play.
The first half ended goalless, with Uganda ruing missed chances and Senegal grateful for VAR’s intervention, which ruled out their late penalty appeal.
After the restart, Uganda picked up where they left off, pressing high and creating opportunities. Mpande’s teasing cross almost forced an own goal from Seyni Mbaye, while substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe came close with a curling effort.
But just as the home crowd sensed a breakthrough, Senegal struck. In the 61st minute, Oumar Ba latched onto a long delivery from Gueye, controlled well, and rifled a low shot past Mutakubwa to silence the Ugandan faithful and put Senegal ahead.
The goal forced Uganda to throw bodies forward. Coach Morley Byekwaso introduced Sentamu Junior and Patrick Kakande in search of an equaliser.
Okello, Ahimbisibwe, and Mpande all came close, but Senegal’s keeper Marc Philips Diouf pulled off crucial saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
With time ticking away, Uganda continued to pile pressure, and Ochaki himself almost turned hero with a late effort that skimmed narrowly over the bar.
Robert Achayi also squandered a golden opportunity, sending his delivery across an empty net without a final touch to convert.
In the end, despite a spirited display and roaring support from the home crowd, Uganda fell agonisingly short.
Senegal’s defensive resilience ensured they advanced with a slim but priceless victory, keeping their title defence alive.
