Uganda have secured their place at the top of Group B in the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after holding off a determined Senegal side.
On a cold and rainy night at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, Algeria, captain Milton Karisa scored the lone goal to lead the Cranes to victory.
In the 83rd minute, Senegal’s chances of regaining parity were shattered when replacement Libasse Ngom was sent for a major foul, allowing Uganda the numerical advantage to cling on and defeat the West African heavyweights.
In the penalty area, Frank Ssebufu fouled Moussa Ndiaye during an aerial tackle, and Tunisian referee Mehrez Melki pointed to the spot.
Sidibe moved to capitalize from six yards out, but Nafian Alionzi of Uganda, who had a busy evening, stopped his attempt to the right corner.
Senegal continued to blow chances in front of goal, but Alionzi once more distinguished himself by blocking a freekick from five yards out.
With four points, Uganda now leads Group B, followed by Senegal’s three points. The Local Elephants are at the bottom of the standings, while DR Congo, who earlier in the day drew with Côte d’Ivoire, is third with two points from two games. There is still a chance for all four teams to advance.
Since defeating Burkina Faso 2-1 at the 2014 tournament in South Africa, this is Uganda’s first CHAN triumph. The Cranes did not have a victory at the CHAN events in 2016, 2018, or 2020.
