Cranes soar to Group C summit after Niger victory

Uganda Premier League stars Allan Okello and Joel Sserunjogi struck in either half as the Cranes beat Niger 2-0 at Namboole on Monday night to go top of Group C at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Okello, whose penalty had been saved by Niger goalkeeper Mohamadou Kassali, reacted quickest to head in the rebound midway through the first half, sending the 34,000-strong Kampala crowd into raptures.

The forward’s vision had already caused problems for Niger, threading passes to Reagan Mpande and Enoch Ssebagala before breaking the deadlock.

The hosts carried their 1-0 lead into the break, with Jude Ssemugabi missing a chance to double it when he dragged a shot across goal. After the restart, Uganda retained the sharper edge and were rewarded when Okello teed up Sserunjogi, who drilled a fierce shot into the top corner.

At the other end, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa dealt confidently with Niger’s rare threats, supported by a disciplined back line.

Coach Morley Byekwaso rotated late on, withdrawing Okello for Patrick Kakande and giving minutes to Usama Kizza, Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Elvis Ngonde, though Ssebagala limped off with a knock.

The win lifts Uganda to six points from three games — two ahead of Algeria and South Africa, who have both played a game fewer.

Victory over South Africa in their final group match next Monday would seal a first-ever CHAN quarter-final for the Cranes.

The only blemish for Byekwaso’s side was Sserunjogi’s first-half booking, which rules him out of that decisive clash.