Uganda’s hopes of reaching the semifinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) were dashed after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Saturday.
The quarterfinal clash was fiercely contested, with the co-hosts buoyed by passionate home support. However, it was the defending champions who found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Oumar Ba punished a defensive lapse, firing past the Ugandan goalkeeper to hand Senegal the decisive lead.
Uganda responded with determination, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. Allan Okello carried the fight with his tireless runs, while Enock Ssebaggala‘s creativity caused problems for the Senegalese backline.
Full-Time! End of the road. 🙌
Uganda 🇺🇬 0-1 🇸🇳 Senegal#UGASEN | #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/lwf3iQVjTz
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) August 23, 2025
Substitutes Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Yunus Sentamu lso injected energy in attach, but the Cranes could not break down a disciplined Senegal defence, with goalkeeper Marco Diouf.
Senegal managed the game well in the closing stages, frustrating Uganda’s attacks and holding onto their slender advantage to book a place in the semifinals.
For Uganda, the defeat ends a spirited run in the competition they co-hosted with pride. The Cranes exit at the quarterfinal stage, as are co-hosts Tanzania and Kenya.
