In a thrilling upset, Uganda secured a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on a cold, rainy Wednesday at the 19 May Stadium in Annaba, Algeria. Led by captain Milton Karisa and goalkeeper Legason Alionzi, the Cranes delivered a performance that has positioned them on the cusp of a historic quarter-final berth in a tournament exclusive to players from domestic leagues.
A Decisive Strike by Karisa
The match’s defining moment came in the 33rd minute when Milton Karisa capitalized on a lofted pass, nudging the ball past Senegal’s goalkeeper Pape Sy after it deflected off defender Cheikhou Ndiaye. The goal, the only one in a tightly contested Group B double-header, showcased Uganda’s resilience against a formidable opponent. Earlier, Legason Alionzi proved his worth by diving left to deny a penalty from Senegal’s Cheikh Sidibe, keeping the Cranes in the game during a tense first half.
The second half saw drama unfold as Uganda earned a penalty for a challenge on Karisa by Ndiaye, only for the referee to overturn the call after consulting the VAR monitor. Senegal’s hopes of leveling the score dimmed late in the match when Libasse Ngom received a straight red card for a studs-up tackle, reducing the Teranga Lions to 10 men. Uganda held firm, securing a victory that reverberated across the tournament.
Group B’s Tight Race
The win placed Uganda at the top of Group B with four points, ahead of Senegal (three points), DR Congo (two points), and Ivory Coast (one point). The group has been marked by a scarcity of goals, with only two scored across four matches—Senegal’s earlier win over Ivory Coast and Uganda’s triumph over Senegal. With one matchday remaining, all four teams remain in contention for a top-two finish to advance to the quarter-finals.
For Uganda, a draw against Ivory Coast in Algiers on Sunday will secure their first-ever CHAN quarter-final spot, a milestone after five previous group-stage exits. Their only prior group-stage victory came nine years ago against Burkina Faso in South Africa, making this win a significant step forward for the Cranes.
Tactical Triumph Under Sredojevic
Under the guidance of Serbian-born coach Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda has shown tactical discipline and grit. Sredojevic, who previously led Zambia to the CHAN quarter-finals in Cameroon, has instilled a fighting spirit in the squad. His experience in the tournament, which restricts eligibility to players competing in their home country’s leagues, has been pivotal in navigating the Cranes toward this breakthrough.
The match’s intensity was mirrored in the day’s earlier game, where DR Congo and Ivory Coast played out a 0-0 draw, with Ivory Coast’s Mohamed Zougrana also sent off for a second yellow card after a dangerous tackle. The low-scoring nature of Group B underscores the defensive resilience and high stakes of the competition.
A Historic Opportunity
Uganda’s victory over Senegal marks a turning point for the Cranes, who have long struggled to make an impact in CHAN. With their captain’s leadership and a crucial save from their goalkeeper, the team stands on the brink of rewriting their tournament legacy. As they prepare for their final group match, the Cranes carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them soar into the knockout stages for the first time.
