Uganda Cranes secure first victory with commanding 3-0 win over Guinea
The Uganda Cranes clinched their first three points of the CHAN tournament with an impressive 3-0 victory over Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Saturday.
Bouncing back strongly from their opening 3-0 defeat to Algeria, Morley Byekwaso’s side delivered a focused performance in their second Group C match. Reagan Mpande ignited the home crowd in the 31st minute, heading home to give Uganda the lead. The advantage doubled just after the hour mark when Allan Okello calmly converted a penalty (62nd minute) after being fouled inside the box. Substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe sealed the emphatic win with a superb late strike in the 89th minute.
The match also marked the debut of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system at Namboole for this tournament, with the technology playing a significant role in proceedings.
This crucial victory propels Uganda level with Guinea on three points in Group C. Guinea had previously defeated Niger 1-0. Algeria currently tops the group with four points following their 1-1 draw with South Africa in Friday’s early game. South Africa sits fourth with one point.
The battle for quarter-final spots intensifies on Monday, 11th August 2025, with another Namboole double-header:
5 PM:South Africa vs Guinea
8 PM:Uganda vs Niger
The CHAN tournament features players exclusively from the domestic leagues of participating African nations.
