TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Uganda dismantled Guinea with less possession
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 09.08.25. | 16:40
Goals from Allan Okello, Reagan Mpande, and Ivan Ahimbsibwe sealed a win that kept Uganda’s qualification hopes alive
Uganda produced a dominant and tactically disciplined display to whitewash Guinea 3-0 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in their second African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture.
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After a heavy 3-0 thumping at the hands of Algeria in their opener, the Cranes responded emphatically, executing a game plan centred on wing play, structured defensive organisation, and well-timed transitions.
Goals from Allan Okello, Reagan Mpande, and Ivan Ahimbsibwe sealed a win that kept Uganda’s qualification hopes alive.
Coach Moses Byekwaso set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Joel Mutakubwa started in goal, with Herbert Achai at right-back, Gavin Kizito at left-back, and the centre-back pairing of Hillary Mukundane and Rogers Torach.
The double pivot consisted of Enock Ssebagala and Joel Sserungoji, while Karim Watambala operated as the advanced midfielder. Reagan Mpande and Allan Okello provided the width as wingers, supporting lone striker Jude Ssemugabi.
Uganda’s tactical blueprint was clear from the start. The wingers stayed wide to stretch the Guinea back line, aiming to isolate defenders in 1v1 situations and deliver quality service into the box.
Mpande and Okello not only sought to beat their markers but also attacked the blind side when the play was on the opposite wing, ensuring a numerical advantage in the penalty area.
Wing Play as the Primary Weapon
The width provided by Okello and Mpande forced Guinea into defensive dilemmas. On several occasions, Guinea’s fullbacks had to receive cover from a midfielder, creating a 2v1 against Uganda’s wingers.
This, however, opened gaps in the half-spaces and central channels, which Watambala exploited with intelligent positioning and ball reception.
The game’s momentum often hinged on these wide duels. Uganda’s wingers consistently won ground and forced Guinea into defensive reshuffles, disrupting their shape.
In one notable sequence, Okello’s persistent dribbling on the left drew the attention of both the fullback and midfielder, creating space for overlapping runs and cutbacks.
Defensive Organisation and Transitions
Uganda were content to cede possession, recording just 41% of the ball compared to Guinea’s 59%. This was not a sign of passivity but of controlled defensive strategy.
The Cranes defended in a compact 4-5-1 block, closing central channels and forcing Guinea to circulate the ball without penetration. The back four maintained close spacing, ensuring cover and limiting the space for Guinea’s forwards to exploit.
Okello’s role in transitions was pivotal. When Uganda won the ball, he remained advanced as the primary outlet, ready to initiate counters. This direct approach, combined with quick support runs from midfield, ensured that Uganda’s limited possession translated into higher-quality chances.
The shot count reflected this: Uganda registered 12 attempts with 4 on target, compared to Guinea’s 6 attempts and just 2 on target.
Tactical Adjustments and Attacking Variations
Byekwaso demonstrated his commitment to maintaining attacking intensity by rotating his forward line in the second half.
Mpande, Okello, and Ssemugabi were replaced by Ivan Ahimbsibwe, Patrick Kakande, and Kiza Usama. The substitutes maintained the pace, movement, and pressing intensity, ensuring Guinea’s defence had no respite.
All three goals were a direct result of adherence to the game plan. The opener came from a short corner routine, with a well-delivered cross met by Mpande’s header.
The second goal showcased the threat of the wingers: Okello drew a double team, forcing a foul inside the box from Abuobakar Bangoura after a skilful dribble. A VAR review confirmed the penalty, which Okello calmly converted.
The third goal was a classic counter-attack, with Ahimbsibwe timing his run perfectly to beat the offside trap before rounding the goalkeeper and finishing confidently.
Uganda’s victory was built on a clear tactical identity, disciplined defensive organisation, and ruthless exploitation of wide areas.
Byekwaso’s side maximised the strengths of their wingers while maintaining a solid defensive block to frustrate Guinea’s possession play.
The win not only reignited Uganda’s CHAN campaign but also demonstrated how well-executed wing play, combined with tactical adaptability, can dismantle a side with more of the ball but less cutting edge.
