Reigning champions Senegal booked their place in the semifinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tense quarterfinal at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday. Oumar Ba’s 61st-minute goal proved decisive as Senegal set up a semifinal clash with Madagascar, who eliminated Kenya a day earlier.
How did Senegal seal the win?
The game began cautiously, with Senegal almost striking early when Libasse Gueye forced a sharp save from Joel Mutakubwa inside three minutes. Uganda responded with half-chances through Allan Okello and Mugweri Kizito, but they failed to trouble Arona Diouf in Senegal’s goal.
The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark. A cross from the left found Oumar Ba in the box, and he controlled before firing past Mutakubwa to give the defending champions the lead.
What went wrong for Uganda?
Uganda enjoyed strong spells of possession, especially after the restart, and the home support pushed them forward. Their attacks down the flanks, however, could not break down Senegal’s organized defense. The frustration showed as Herbrt Achai picked up a yellow card in the first half, while wasted opportunities piled up in the second.
Substitute Layousse nearly put the game beyond doubt in the 80th minute, sending his shot just wide. Despite Uganda’s pressure, Senegal’s compact backline and ability to control the tempo saw the match slip away from the Cranes.
With this victory, Senegal moves into the last four, where they will face Madagascar. Uganda’s elimination ends East Africa’s hopes in the 19-team tournament, as fellow co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania also bowed out in the quarterfinals.
By Yockshard Enyendi