The stage is set for a massive quarter-final clash at the CHAN 2024 tournament! The Uganda Cranes are ready to take on the defending champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, at a buzzing Mandela National Stadium on Saturday, 23rd.
Uganda secured their place in the final eight by topping Group C with an impressive 7 points. Senegal, the winners of the 2022 edition in Algeria, advanced as runners-up in Group D with 5 points.
This is a historic moment for the Uganda Cranes. While this is their seventh appearance in the competition, it is the very first time they have ever progressed beyond the group stages. Having achieved that primary goal, Head Coach Morley Byekwaso has announced a shift in ambition, stating:
“Our first target was to get out of the group for the first time ever, but now the target has changed. We have another game on Saturday, so after the excitement, we are going back to training with new words, new motivation and a new approach.”
An added incentive for the Cranes is that should they qualify for the semi-finals, they will have the tremendous advantage of playing at home in front of their own fans once again.
This new approach will be tested without key defender Hillary Mukundane, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards. Mukundane became a vital part of the defense after the team’s opening loss to Algeria. His effort even led to the crucial handball that resulted in Uganda’s equalizing penalty against South Africa.
Coach Morley Byekwaso will likely deploy Sc Villa defender Arnold Odong or BUL F.C. defender Nicholas Mwere to fill the void.
On a positive note, Joel Sserunjogi is expected to return to the squad after serving his one-match suspension.
The Cranes’ midfield looked vulnerable against South Africa, an area they will need to tighten up before facing the Senegalese threat.
All eyes will be on forward Jude Ssemugabi, who scored his first goal of the tournament last time out, to find the net again as Uganda pushes for that maiden semi-final berth.
Leave a Reply