Uganda back in contention with emphatic 3-0 victory over Guinea
Uganda reignited their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Guinea in Kampala on Friday night, breathing life into their qualification hopes after a difficult start.
Goals from Reagan Mpande, Allan Okello and substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe sealed a first win of the tournament for the hosts, who had opened Group C with a heavy defeat to Algeria.
The result lifts Uganda to second place in the standings on three points, behind leaders Algeria on goal difference, and leaves Guinea’s progress hanging in the balance.
Earlier in the day, Algeria and South Africa drew 1-1 in the group’s other match
In front of a buoyant Nelson Mandela National Stadium crowd, Uganda started with urgency, knowing anything less than victory would leave them on the brink of elimination.
Their intent was rewarded on 31 minutes when Joel Sserunjogi’s set-piece delivery was met by Reagan Mpande, whose precise header found the bottom right corner to put the Cranes ahead.
Before that, Guinea had threatened through Kabinet Kouyaté and Ousmane Drame, but goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa twice reacted smartly to keep them out.
The opener shifted momentum decisively towards the hosts, with Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi coming close to doubling the advantage before half-time.
Second-half penalties at both ends
The second half began with Guinea searching for a route back, but their hopes suffered a major setback just before the hour mark.
Okello was brought down in the box by Aboubacar Bangoura, and after a VAR review, the midfielder calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-0.
Moments later, Guinea thought they had their own lifeline when Mohamed Youla was fouled in the area.
However, VAR overturned the initial spot-kick decision, adding to the West Africans’ frustration.
Guinea made a flurry of substitutions in search of a breakthrough, but Uganda’s backline—marshalled by Hilary Mukundane and Gavin Kizito—stood firm, aided by Mutakubwa’s commanding presence.
Ahimbisibwe caps dominant display
As the match entered its final stages, Uganda punished Guinea on the counter.
A swift break in the 89th minute saw Karim Watambala split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass for Ahimbisibwe, who slotted home clinically to seal a comprehensive 3-0 win.
It was a performance that combined discipline, energy and cutting edge—everything Uganda lacked in their opening loss to Algeria.
Group C wide open
The result sets up a tense final round of group matches.
Uganda will face South Africa knowing that a win could secure a quarter-final spot, while Guinea now face the daunting task of playing Algeria needing a result to stay in the competition.
With Algeria on four points, and both Uganda and Guinea on three, all three nations remain in contention for the two knockout places.
South Africa, with a single point, are still mathematically alive but require victory in their final match and favourable results elsewhere.
For head coach Morley Byekwaso, the response from his players was emphatic—a night when Uganda rediscovered their belief and thrilled their home fans.Group C standings after match
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Algeria – 4 pts (GD +3)
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Uganda – 3 pts (GD 0)
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Guinea – 3 pts (GD -2)
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South Africa – 1 pt
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Niger – 0 pts