Defending champions Senegal moved a step closer to retaining their crown at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after edging co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tense quarter-final at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday. Oumar Ba struck the decisive goal just after the hour mark as the Lions of Teranga showed their tournament know-how to silence a passionate home crowd of over 35,000. The decisive strike arrived in the 62nd minute. Libasse Guèye, who had been a constant menace on the right, whipped in a teasing cross that evaded Uganda’s centre-backs. Ba ghosted in at the far post and fired a low right-footed finish past Joel Mutakubwa to give Senegal the lead. It was a goal that summed up Senegal’s pedigree: patient, clinical, and perfectly timed in a contest where chances had been limited. The Cranes, who had made history by reaching the knockout stages of CHAN for the first time, gave everything in front of their fans but could not find the finishing touch. Uganda had never reached this stage in six previous CHAN appearances, and topping a group ahead of Algeria and South Africa showcased their progress. Senegal entered the game with the best defensive record of the quarterfinalists, and they lived up to that reputation. Senegal now advance to their second successive CHAN semi-final, where they will face Madagascar. The Mandela Stadium may have fallen silent after Ba’s goal, but Uganda’s performance across CHAN 2024 ensures their journey will be remembered as the start of something significant.
