Monday Results

Uganda 2-0 Niger

South Africa 2-1 Guinea

Uganda Cranes took a giant step towards their first-ever CHAN quarter-final appearance after defeating Niger 2-0 on Monday evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Goals from SC Vipers’ star Allan Okello and KCCA FC forward Joel Sserunjogi sealed the victory in front of an electrified home crowd. Okello, who had missed a first-half penalty, made amends in the 25th minute by slotting in a rebound to give Uganda the lead.

Sserunjogi doubled the advantage with a fine strike from just inside the 18-yard box, putting the game beyond Niger’s reach.Earlier in the day, South Africa revived their campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea, thanks to goals from Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela.

The result marked Bafana Bafana’s first victory of the tournament after their opening draw with Algeria.

The win sees Uganda top Group C with six points from three matches (two wins and one loss), followed by Algeria (4 points), South Africa (4), Guinea (3), and Niger (0).

Group C Standings:

1. Uganda – 6 pts

2. Algeria – 4 pts

3. South Africa – 4 pts

4. Guinea – 3 pts

5. Niger – 0 pts

With just one group game left – against South Africa on Monday, August 18 at 8 PM – Uganda’s qualification permutations are clear. A draw would be enough if South Africa fail to beat Niger in their penultimate fixture on Friday. However, should South Africa win on Friday, Uganda will need a victory to secure a last-eight spot.

Algeria remain strong contenders for top spot with two games left against Guinea and Niger, while South Africa still have a realistic shot at a top-two finish with six points up for grabs.

Guinea’s hopes are slim, requiring back-to-back wins and favorable results elsewhere.

Niger, rooted at the bottom, would need a football miracle to progress.Uganda has participated in six previous CHAN editions without ever reaching the knockout stage, and the class of 2025 now stands just 90 minutes away from making history.