Uganda Cranes have won their second consecutive game this evening in the ongoing African Nations Championship, marking the first time the team has achieved this feat in the tournament.
The Cranes defeated Niger 2-0 in a match played at a packed Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The game began with both sides attempting several offensive transitions, but both were ineffective in converting their chances.
In the 24th minute, Cranes forward Reagan Mpande was fouled in the penalty area. Initially, the centre referee waved play on, but after being called to review the incident on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, he awarded a penalty.
Allan Okello, just as in the game against Guinea, stepped up to take the spot kick. His initial shot was saved, but he quickly followed up and headed in the rebound to give the Cranes the lead.
After the half-time break, the Cranes continued to press forward, while Niger also pushed for an equaliser. However, an interception during a Niger attack saw the Cranes launch a swift counter. Okello set up Joel Sserunjogi, who sent a flying shot into the net to double Uganda’s lead.
These three points mean Uganda now tops Group C with six points. Algeria and South Africa have four points each, Guinea sits on three points, while Niger remains without a point. Uganda and Guinea each have one game left to play, while Algeria, South Africa, and Niger have two games remaining. Only the top two teams will advance to the second round.
Meanwhile, the Cranes have received an additional Shs1.2 billion from President Yoweri Museveni as a reward for tonight’s victory, bringing their total earnings to Shs2.4 billion.
