Uganda tightened their grip on a CHAN quarter-final place with a composed 2–0 victory over Niger at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, securing back-to-back wins at the tournament for the first time in their history.
Allan Okello was at the heart of the performance, recovering from a missed penalty to head the opener on 25 minutes before setting up Joel Sserunjogi’s clinical second just before the hour.
The result lifted Uganda to the top of Group C with six points from three games, ahead of Algeria and South Africa on four and Guinea on three. Niger remain bottom without a point.
Uganda began with intent in a 4-3-3, stretching play through the flanks and forcing early chances for Jude Ssemugabi. The breakthrough came after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Reagan Mpande, although Okello’s spot-kick was saved by Mahamadou Tanja. The forward atoned almost immediately, stealing into the six-yard area to head home.
Niger responded with pressure from set pieces but lacked cutting edge in open play. Joel Mutakubwa’s reflex save from Mohamed Abdouramane’s header was their clearest opening before half-time.
Uganda doubled the lead in the 56th minute when Okello carried play forward from midfield and released Sserunjogi, who rifled a shot into the top corner. From there, Morley Byekwaso’s side managed the game intelligently, with disciplined defensive work from Gavin Kizito and Hilary Mukundane and careful substitutions to see out the contest.
Niger’s late changes offered fresh energy but could not break a compact Ugandan shape. Mutakubwa’s handling under aerial bombardment preserved the clean sheet and underlined the hosts’ control.
With two wins and two shut-outs since their opening defeat to Algeria, Uganda have momentum at a crucial stage. For Niger, the challenge is now survival in the competition, their hopes hinging on greater precision in front of goal.
