The Uganda Cranes are braced for a stern test against reigning champions Senegal in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals this evening at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in the quest for a historic semi-final spot of the tournament.
The Cranes progressed to the last eight of the African Nations Championship for the first time in history after topping Group C with seven points.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso urged his charges to stay disciplined and focused ahead of the clash. “This is not a friendly; it’s a knockout game. Senegal are experienced champions, but with our fans behind us, we believe we can achieve victory,” Byekwaso said.
Uganda carry the confidence of past victories, including a famous 1–0 win over Senegal in the 2022 edition and another 2-1 triumph in a recent friendly, but Byekwaso insists history will count for little in a tournament of this magnitude.
Uganda have scored 8 and conceded 6 goals in four matches so far, their highest tally in a single CHAN campaign, while Senegal, the CHAN 2022 champions, remain unbeaten in the group stage, conceding just once in three matches.
In the other quarterfinal fixture, Sudan, who topped Group D unbeaten, will test their strength against a well-drilled Algerian side in what promises to be another blockbuster clash of the last-eight battle.