By Admin
The Uganda Cranes roared back on Friday from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Algeria on Monday, August 4, 2025, by thrashing Guinea 3-0 in their second game of the ongoing CHAN 2024, tournament played at Mandela National Stadium, thanks to changes in the squad.
This victory keeps their hopes alive of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Morley Byekwaso, the Uganda Cranes coach made four changes from the team that started in the 3-0 loss to Algeria on Monday.
Among the changes are Reagan Mpande, Herbert Achayi, Karim Watambala, and Hillary Mukundane and the team responded brilliantly.
From the opening whistle, Uganda played with urgency and confidence.
Allan Okello was at the heart of everything positive, tormenting the Guinean defence with his movement and creativity.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Okello played a short corner to Joel Sserunjogi, whose curling delivery was met by Mpande with a perfectly guided header to make it 1-0.
Uganda could have extended the lead before halftime, but chances for Okello and Jude Ssemugabi went begging.
Guinea came out stronger after the interval, but their momentum was short-lived.
In the 58th minute, Okello was fouled in the area.
The referee initially waved play on, but a VAR review awarded a penalty.
The midfielder stepped up and calmly converted to double Uganda’s lead.
Guinea thought they had a way back into the match with a penalty of their own, but VAR came to Uganda’s rescue again, overturning the decision.In the final minute, substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe finished off a sweeping move, slotting home after yet another clever assist from Okello to seal a comprehensive 3-0 win.
The result lifts Uganda into second place in Group C and sets up a decisive clash against Niger on Monday, August 11, at the same venue.
Meanwhile Algeria, who are seen as Group C favorites were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa.
In a match where Algeria dominated large spells, it was Thabiso Kutumela’s clinical strike in first-half stoppage time that earned Bafana Bafana a crucial point.
Algeria had earlier gone ahead through Abdennour Belhocini’s fierce low drive in the 29th minute.
The Desert Foxes looked the more likely to score throughout the match, but South Africa’s disciplined shape and defensive focus frustrated their opponents, especially in the second half.
Belhocini’s opener came after Aymen Mahious had his initial effort blocked inside the area.
The rebound fell kindly for the CR Belouizdad forward, who rifled his shot beneath South African keeper Samukelo Zulu.
Despite the pressure, South Africa responded with a well-worked goal just before the break. Malibongwe Khoza launched a pinpoint diagonal ball from deep, which found Menzi Masuku in stride.
Although Masuku’s first touch was heavy, the ball rolled into the path of Kutumela, who slotted home to make it 1-1.
Algeria pushed hard in the second half. In the 50th minute, Zulu pulled off an excellent save to deny Abderrahmane Meziane from close range.
Seventeen minutes later, Mahious had a golden opportunity to restore Algeria’s lead but headed wide with the goal at his mercy.
The drama continued in the dying minutes when Algeria substitute Mehdi Merghem went down in the box.
However, the referee saw no contact and instead booked the forward for simulation.
The result keeps Algeria top of Group C with four points from two matches, while South Africa, on one point, will take plenty of positives heading into Monday’s clash against Guinea. Algeria’s final group fixture comes against the Syli National next Friday.
