The Uganda Cranes secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers at the Hamza Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday 26th December, 2024. Isaac Ogwang’s clinical finish in the 35th minute proved to be the decisive factor in the match.
The game got off to a lively start, with Uganda showing intent from the onset. In the ninth minute, Allan Okello tried his luck with a long-range effort, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Two minutes later, Uganda came agonizingly close to opening the scoring, but failed to make a decisive touch before Burundi’s goalkeeper intervened.
Burundi’s best chance of the half came in the 15th minute when Keita Bakuru’s free-kick went wide, leaving the visitors unscathed as they held firm in defense.
Uganda Cranes eventually broke the deadlock through Ogwang’s composed finish 10 minutes to the end of the first half.
The second half saw Burundi push hard for an equalizer, but the Ugandan defense remained resolute. Karim Kamana nearly leveled matters in the 74th minute with his glancing header only inches wide from the frame.
Uganda’s Allan Okello came close to extending the lead in the 81st minute, but his curling effort sailed above the the top bar.
The victory puts Uganda Cranes in a strong position ahead of the second leg, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at the same venue.
The Cranes will be looking to build on this momentum to secure their spot in the continental championship. The CHAN Qualifiers are part of the African Nations Championship, a tournament exclusive to footballers playing in the domestic leagues.
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