Uganda Cranes triumphed with a last-minute victory over Burundi in the return leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers on Sunday at Hamz Stadium.
Super-sub Hakim Kiwanuka delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time, with his deflected strike sealing a 1-0 win for the Cranes.
This result completed a double triumph for Uganda, who also won the first leg by the same margin, courtesy of an Isaac Ogwang goal.
Coach Paul Put reshuffled his starting lineup, introducing Gideon Odong at left-back, Joel Sserunjogi in midfield, and Milton Karisa on the wing. These changes added fresh energy to the squad, though the opening exchanges were uneventful, with neither side dominating.
The game’s first real chance came in the 17th minute when Karisa’s cross found Jude Ssemugabi, whose header narrowly missed the target. Uganda’s goalkeeper, Joel Mutakubwa, made a crucial intervention three minutes later, denying a threatening Burundi counterattack.
The second half saw more urgency from Uganda, spurred by the introduction of Patrick Jonah Kakande for the injured Ssemugabi. Kakande injected pace and creativity, testing Burundi’s defense in the 49th minute with a powerful shot that was well-saved.
Allan Okello and Isaac Ogwang also had chances but failed to convert. As time ticked away, Coach Put brought on Kiwanuka and Ivan Ahimbisibwe, a substitution that would prove decisive.
In the first minute of added time, Kiwanuka’s rebound attempt took a fortunate deflection off Burundi defender Olivier Dushime, leaving the goalkeeper helpless and securing Uganda’s win.
