Cranes Send Warning Shot to Rivals Ahead of CHAN 2025

Cranes Send Warning Shot to Rivals Ahead of CHAN 2025

Festus Chuma 17:21 - 26.07.2025

Uganda wrapped up their Pre-CHAN campaign with a confident win over Senegal in a closely contested match in Tanzania.

Uganda Cranes secured a 2-1 victory against Senegal in the final match of the Pre-CHAN CECAFA three-nation tournament at the Black Rhino Sports Stadium in Karatu, Tanzania, on Thursday evening.

This win provides a much-needed boost in morale following their 1-0 loss to hosts Tanzania on Tuesday.

Defender Arnold Odong and Patrick Kakande scored within five minutes of each other in the second half, showcasing a marked improvement in performance.

Coach Morley Byekwaso made ten changes to the starting lineup from the Tanzania game, with only goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa retaining his spot.

Mutakubwa, who was partially at fault for the conceded goal in the previous match, delivered a more stable performance against the reigning CHAN champions.

The game came alive after the hour mark when Byekwaso made his second set of substitutions, bringing on Kakande and Shafik 'Nana' Kwikiriza for wingers Usama Arafat and Reagan Mpande. Kakande's impact was immediate, as he won the corner that led to Uganda's opening goal.

Joel Sserunjogi, who had a strong performance in midfield, delivered the corner, which the Senegalese defense failed to clear. Odong capitalized on the opportunity, slotting the ball into the net at the far post in the 64th minute.

First goal had an element of luck, the second was the result of a well-executed pressing strategy. Kakande forced the Senegalese defense to play the ball back to their goalkeeper, Marc Arona.

Jude Ssemugabi, known for his sometimes frustrating decision-making, dispossessed Arona and was subsequently brought down in the box. Kakande confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 68th minute.

Although Senegal managed a late consolation goal, the Cranes held on for the victory. The team is now expected to return to Uganda for final preparations ahead of their opening CHAN match against Algeria on August 4th.