CHAN 2024: Uganda Handed Potentially Crucial Advantage Ahead of Quarter-Final
- Uganda bounced back brilliantly to progress to the CHAN 2024 quarter-final after an opening day defeat
- The Cranes lost to Algeria but went unbeaten for the rest of the group stage to reach the knockout stage
- They will meet fellow co-hosts Tanzania in the semi-final if they qualify by beating Senegal in the last eight
Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now!
Uganda staged a remarkable comeback to secure their place in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, and should they progress further, they'll have a crucial advantage in the upcoming rounds.
Source: Twitter
Uganda joined co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania in the quarter-finals after an epic comeback in their final group game against South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
The Cranes bounced back after a humiliating defeat in their opening match of the campaign.
How have Uganda performed at CHAN 2024?
Uganda were placed in Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger and were expected to reach the next round.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
They began with a tough 3-0 defeat to North African powerhouses Algeria, a result that prompted both a warning and a summons from the government.
However, they quickly bounced back with impressive performances against Guinea and Niger. They came close to going out in their last group game against South Africa.
They were 3-1 down in the 88th minute before they converted two controversial penalties to salvage a draw.
Now, they will face defending champions Senegal in the quarter-final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday, August 23.
“I recall that at the start of the tournament, we lost our first game. It was a sad moment, but we kept believing. Today, here we are, through to the next stage," Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso said after their clash against South Africa.
What advantage does Uganda have in CHAN?
The Uganda Cranes will aim to take down Senegal in the quarter-finals, but a difficult quarter-final encounter awaits Byekwaso's team.
They have the advantage of playing the quarter-final and the semi-final at home in front of their fans.
Moreover, the third-place playoff will also be held in Uganda at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. The final will be played in Kenya's Kasarani Stadium.
Uganda will host one semi-final tie while Tanzania will host the other one at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on August 26.
The Cranes have made six appearances at CHAN, including the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 editions. This is the first time they are playing in the knockout stage.
Which CHAN co-host will reach final?
Tanzania and Uganda are on the same side of the bracket, meaning only one of them will have a chance to reach the CHAN 2024 final.
Taifa Stars face a daunting challenge against Morocco in the quarter-finals, and if they succeed, they will likely meet either Uganda or Senegal in the next round.
Source: Twitter
Kenya, on the other hand, will face Madagascar in the quarter-final and then battle either Sudan or Algeria in the semis.
Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars have already defeated Morocco, making them a potential dark horse in the tournament.
Will Ugandans get public holiday?
In a related story, we reported that the Ugandan government is considering granting a public holiday to Ugandans.
Uganda face Senegal on Saturday, and their government is thinking of rewarding fans with a holiday.
A win over Senegal will likely see fans and players get rewarded by the government.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
