Uganda Cranes have bagged Shs1.2 billion after defeating Guinea 3-0 in their second game of the 2024 CHAN tournament at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Cranes went into game two after a humiliating 3-0 defeat in their opening match. The boys started with hunger and intent to make amends, taking control from the onset.
Reagan Mpande opened Uganda’s scoring in the 31st minute, and the team held on to the lead until the halftime break.
After the interval, Morley Byekwaso’s charges remained solid both defensively and offensively. In the 60th minute, Allan Okello, alias ‘Star Boy’, was fouled in the box. Although the centre referee initially waved play on, a VAR check overturned the decision, awarding Uganda a penalty, which Okello converted to make it 2-0 for the Cranes.
The team maintained their composure and focus to see out the game comfortably. In the 90th minute, substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who had replaced Jude Ssemugabi, sealed the game by finishing off a brilliant move to make it 3-0—thanks to Karim Watambala’s perfectly timed, defence-splitting pass.
The Cranes have not only bounced back in Group C with three points, but will also smile all the way to State House to collect their Shs1.2 billion match-winning bonus from President Yoweri Museveni.
Uganda Cranes return to action on Monday against Niger.
