CHAN 2024: Uganda Targets Knockout Stage After Tactical Masterclass Against Niger
Uganda’s CHAN 2024 race picked up again with a clear 2-0 win over Niger at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. This win took away the sad feelings from their first loss to Algeria and gave them fresh hope to move to the next round.
With coach Morley Byekwaso at the helm, the Uganda Cranes showed a strong back, quick attacks, and tough heads. With star player Allan Okello leading, they beat Niger even though they had the ball less. Now, everyone is looking at their next game against South Africa, a game that might decide if they stay or go in the contest.
Uganda’s Tactical Shift Sparks CHAN 2024 Revival
Uganda came into the game with Niger feeling the pressure, after a tough 3-0 loss to Algeria. That game showed weak spots in defense, bad focus, and a lack of calm under hard press.
Byekwaso acted fast. He made the defense strong, pushed for tight press, and let his skilled men lead from the back. In the middle, he aimed for quick moves instead of long ball – holds a plan to use Niger’s high line against them.
“Good defense is key in games, and when you use your chances well, you win,” Byekwaso said after the game.
Byekwaso’s Defensive Blueprint
Against Niger, Uganda lined up in a disciplined 4-2-3-1. The two holding midfielders screened the back four, cutting off passing lanes into Niger’s central attackers. Full-backs were instructed to limit overlaps, instead prioritising defensive positioning.
The strategy paid off. Niger dominated possession with 62% but failed to create high-quality chances. Uganda’s defensive block forced them wide, where their delivery lacked the precision to break through.
The captain’s role in maintaining defensive organisation was key. Communication from the backline ensured that even during Niger’s sustained spells of pressure, Uganda stayed compact.
Okello’s Influence in the Final Third
Allan Okello was the top star. At 25, the mid man set the beat when Uganda went up, finding small open spots between Niger’s mid and back line.
At minute 25, he broke the tie with a calm goal after a fast move from back to front. Not long into the second half, he set up the game, sending a sharp ball past the Niger backs for Uganda’s next goal.
Okello did more than set up goals – his runs made Niger’s backs keep shifting, making room for his side. When matched with the Algeria game, his play near the goal area got two times better, showing the change in game plans.
Key Stats from Uganda’s Win Over Niger
- Possession: Uganda 38% – Niger 62%
- Shots on target: Uganda 5 – Niger 2
- Shot conversion rate: 40% for Uganda, 0% for Niger
- Passing accuracy: Uganda 76% – Niger 84%
- Defensive duels won: Uganda 58% – Niger 42%
These numbers show Uganda’s skill. They did not have to hold the ball – they just had to use their chances well.
CHAN 2024 Group B Standings and Qualification Path
After two rounds of fixtures in Group B:
|
Team |
Played |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
GF |
GA |
Points |
|
Algeria |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
6 |
|
Uganda |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
South Africa |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Niger |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
Qualification Scenarios for Uganda:
- Win vs South Africa → Automatic qualification to knockout stage.
- Draw vs South Africa → Likely to qualify if Niger fails to beat Algeria.
- Loss vs South Africa → Dependent on Niger’s result and goal difference.
Preparing for South Africa – The Next Big Test
South Africa will bring a new test. They are fast and clever near the goal and can use any slip-ups fast. Byekwaso has said it’s key to stay sharp.
“We know they are dangerous in the final third. We must be smart and cautious,” he said.
South Africa’s big risks are their side players, who try to get one-on-one with full-backs and send in swift, low crosses. If Uganda keeps their guard up and moves fast, they can hit at South Africa’s weak spots, mainly in high-ball fights.
Historical Context – Uganda at CHAN
Uganda has been a regular at CHAN but has struggled to make deep runs. Since their debut in 2011, the Cranes have often been eliminated in the group stages.
- 2011: Group stage exit, 1 win from 3 games.
- 2014: Narrowly missed knockout qualification.
- 2016: Winless campaign.
- 2018: Group stage exit despite competitive performances.
- 2020: A single win, again falling short of the knockouts.
This year’s team mixes young and old players, and the Niger game proves they can change old ways.
Voices from the Camp and the Fans
Inside the Uganda camp, the mood has shifted from disappointment to determination.
Midfielder Moses Waiswa said that the win over Niger boosted their minds:
“We needed this win to remember what we can do. Now we aim at South Africa with hope.” On social sites, fans from Uganda have shown strong support for the team. Hashtags like #CranesOnTheRise and #CHAN2024Uganda were popular online after the victory.
What This Means for Uganda’s CHAN 2024 Ambitions
This win against Niger might just be the key moment for Uganda’s run. More than just three points, it has brought back hope in the team and shown smart play changes – qualities needed for success.
If Uganda keeps up this push in the South Africa match and makes it through, it would be only the second time they’ve moved past the first round at CHAN. Even more, it would let Byekwaso work on building a team that can go up against the best in Africa.
With a mix of disciplines, new ideas, and strong will, Uganda has turned CHAN 2024 into more than just a game. It’s now their chance