Defending champions Senegal advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after edging co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tense quarter-final at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
Oumar Ba scored the only goal of the match in the 62nd minute, finishing off a cross from Libasse Guèye with a low strike past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa. The goal highlighted Senegal’s composure and clinical edge in a contest where clear chances were rare.
Uganda, playing in their first-ever CHAN knockout match, created opportunities but lacked the finishing touch. Allan Okello came closest with a powerful effort in the first half, while substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Gavin Kizito both missed chances after the break. In the closing stages, Arnold Odong and Ahimbisibwe forced saves from Senegal goalkeeper Marc Diouf, but the defending champions held firm.
Senegal’s defensive solidity once again proved decisive. Diouf, along with Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, kept the backline organized under pressure, while late substitutions from coach Souleymane Diallo helped ease Uganda’s attacking momentum.
For Uganda, the result ends a historic campaign that saw them top a group ahead of Algeria and South Africa. Despite the disappointment, fans applauded the team at full-time, recognizing their breakthrough performance at CHAN 2024.
Senegal will now face Morocco in the semi-finals as they continue their bid to defend the title. Uganda, meanwhile, will look to build on this progress, with coach Morley Byekwaso vowing that his team will “learn and come back stronger.”
