Uganda Cranes Moves closer to CHAN tournament with Narrow win.

The Uganda Cranes edged closer to securing a spot in the CHAN tournament, courtesy of Isaac Ogwang’s decisive strike, which handed them a narrow 1-0 win over Burundi in the CHAN qualifiers at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo on Thursday.

The cranes began the game with a good attempt from the captain Allan Okello who got a chance on the 9th minute but the Burundian goalkeeper denied him a chance.

In the 11th minute, Uganda cranes lacked a finishing touch before the Burundian goalkeeper made a second save.

Burundi had a chance to score from a free- kick after Patrick Mbowa committed a foul but Keita Bakuru’s shot went wide.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute, courtesy of Isaac Ogwang’s clever footwork, as he skillfully evaded his defender and coolly slotted the ball into the net.

Allan Okello playing against Burundi in the

After the end of the first half, the cranes had lead the game with 1-0 giving them high chances to win the game after the 90minutes.

When the both teams came back for the second stanza, Burundi came back stronger to equalizer the lead but the Cranes defence was strong to deny them a chance.

Karim Kamana almost pulled Burundi level in the 74th minute with a clever glancing header, only to see the ball graze past the upright, denying the visitors a crucial equalizer.

Allan Okello nearly doubled Uganda’s advantage with nine minutes remaining, but his curling shot sailed just over the crossbar.

The second leg will be played on 29th December 2024 at Hamz stadium and this time Uganda Cranes will be the host for Burundi.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Paul Mbowa, Saidi Mayanja, Allan Okello, Isaac Ogwang, Shafik Kwikiriza, Jude Ssemugabi.