Sad News For Uganda!! Senegal Chases Uganda Cranes Out Of CHAN After 1-0 Quarterfinal Loss

Uganda Cranes’ fairytale run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended in heartbreak on Saturday evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, following a narrow 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal in the quarterfinals.

The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Libasse Guèye burst down the left flank and squared a precise ball to Oumar Ba, who finished clinically to give the Lions of Teranga the lead. The goal stunned the home crowd and left Uganda chasing the game.

The first half had been a tense, tactical duel with few chances at either end. Goalkeepers Joel Mutakubwa and Marc Philips Arona Diouf were largely untroubled as both sides prioritized discipline over risk. But once Senegal broke the deadlock, the match opened up.

Pushed on by a passionate Namboole crowd, the Cranes fought back with determination. Substitute Kiza Usama nearly salvaged the night late on after Diouf spilled a shot into his path, but the youngster’s strike sailed over the bar—Uganda’s clearest opportunity.

Though defeated, the Cranes exit CHAN 2024 with their heads held high. Reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in six attempts marked a historic milestone and highlighted Uganda’s growing stature in African football.

With Kenya and Tanzania also bowing out at the quarterfinal stage, Uganda’s spirited campaign as hosts remains a defining achievement for East African football. The Uganda Football Association (FUFA) praised the players, coaches, and fans for their passion, resilience, and unity throughout the tournament.

National leaders also paid tribute. Speaker of Parliament Anitah Annet Among lauded the team, saying:
“A big thank you to the Cranes for their passion, energy, beautiful memories, and the determination with which they carried our flag. Thank you for uniting our country and making history with us! We march forward to the next tasks!”

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa added:
“Hard luck, Uganda Cranes. You put up a spirited fight and gave every ounce of your energy to make your country proud.”

The Cranes may have fallen to the champions, but their CHAN 2024 journey will be remembered as a story of resilience, pride, and progress. In defeat, they earned the status of heroes in the eyes of their people.