Uganda took a major step towards the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a confident 2–0 win over Niger at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Monday night.
The victory, their second in a row, not only secured back-to-back CHAN wins for the first time in the country’s history but also lifted them to the top of Group C with six points from three matches. Allan Okello starred with a goal and an assist, while Joel Sserunjogi sealed the win with a fine finish.
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s 2–1 victory over Guinea had set the stage for Uganda to take control of the group. Algeria sit second with four points from two games, followed by South Africa (four points from two) and Guinea (three from three), while Niger remain bottom without a point.
Uganda began on the front foot in a lively 4-3-3 setup, with Jude Ssemugabi going close twice before the breakthrough. The turning point came in the 20th minute when Reagan Mpande was fouled in the box. After a VAR check confirmed the penalty, Okello stepped up — only to see Niger goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja save his effort.
Just two minutes later, Okello made amends, reacting sharply to head home from close range after sustained pressure. Niger responded with moments of threat, notably Mohamed Abdouramane’s header that Joel Mutakubwa pushed away, but Uganda retained control.
In the 56th minute, Okello turned provider, driving forward before slipping a precise pass to Sserunjogi, who rifled into the top corner from inside the area. The goal reflected Uganda’s speed in transition and gave them breathing space.
Byekwaso’s men managed the game smartly from there. Defenders Gavin Kizito and Hilary Mukundane stood firm against aerial threats, while Achayi balanced his attacking runs with defensive cover. Mutakubwa’s late saves and game management substitutions saw out the clean sheet.
Although Sserunjogi’s early yellow card and several fouls offered Niger some territory, Uganda’s defensive unit closed down shooting angles effectively, forcing the visitors into speculative headers rather than clear-cut chances.
Coach Morley Byekwaso’s emphasis on tactical shape and clean sheets paid off, with Uganda recording their second straight shutout.
With one group match remaining, Uganda are in prime position to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their CHAN history. Okello’s tally now stands at two goals and an assist in the tournament, while Sserunjogi’s tireless wing play has been rewarded with a goal.
For Niger, it’s now two defeats without scoring. Despite creating set-piece pressure and forcing late saves, Harouna Doulla’s men must find finishing form quickly to avoid an early exit.
