By 
Uganda Cranes produced a commanding performance to dispatch Guinea 3-0 at Mandela National Stadium, breathing life into their CHAN 2024 campaign with a statement win on home soil.
Coming off a disappointing start to the tournament, head coach Morley Byekwaso rang the changes—bringing in Reagan Mpande, Herbert Achayi, Karim Watambala, and Hillary Mukundane—and the team responded brilliantly.
From the opening whistle, Uganda played with urgency and confidence. Allan Okello was at the heart of everything positive, tormenting the Guinean defence with his movement and creativity.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Okello played a short corner to Joel Sserunjogi, whose curling delivery was met by Mpande with a perfectly guided header to make it 1-0.
Uganda could have extended the lead before halftime, but chances for Okello and Jude Ssemugabi went begging.
Guinea came out stronger after the interval, but their momentum was short-lived. In the 58th minute, Okello was fouled in the area. The referee initially waved play on, but a VAR review awarded a penalty. The midfielder stepped up and calmly converted to double Uganda’s lead.
Guinea thought they had a way back into the match with a penalty of their own, but VAR came to Uganda’s rescue again, overturning the decision.
In the final minute, substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe finished off a sweeping move, slotting home after yet another clever assist from Okello to seal a comprehensive 3-0 win.
The result lifts Uganda into second place in Group C and sets up a decisive clash against Niger on Monday, August 11, at the same venue.
