Defending champions Senegal advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after edging co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
Oumar Ba delivered the decisive blow in the 62nd minute, ghosting in at the far post to convert Libasse Guèye’s teasing cross with a low right-footed finish past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa. The strike epitomised Senegal’s pedigree—calm, clinical, and perfectly timed in a contest of few clear chances.
Uganda, making history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, battled valiantly in front of over 35,000 fans but were left to rue wasted opportunities. Allan Okello’s first-half effort forced a sharp save from Marc Diouf, while substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe spurned two chances after the break. The Cranes came closest in the 68th minute when Gavin Kizito’s header flashed narrowly wide.
Senegal’s defensive steel ultimately proved the difference. Diouf commanded his box with authority, while Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse marshalled the backline superbly. Coach Souleymane Diallo’s second-half substitutions, including Moctar Koïté and Vieux Cissé, added fresh legs to relieve mounting pressure.
For Uganda, the campaign ended in disappointment but not without pride. Topping a group ahead of Algeria and South Africa marked significant progress, with Okello, Bruno Ssemugabi, and others offering glimpses of a promising future.
As the final whistle sounded, the Cranes were applauded off the pitch, their supporters recognising a historic run that restored belief.
Senegal now march into their second successive CHAN semi-final, where they will face Morocco. Uganda, meanwhile, turn their focus to building on this breakthrough, with coach Morley Byekwaso vowing his side “will learn and come back stronger.”
