Uganda defeats Burundi 1-0 in African Nations Championship qualifier

Striker Issac Ogwang netted the lone goal as Uganda Cranes defeated Burundi 1-0 in the first leg of the final phase of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier on Thursday.

Ogwang capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Burundi defenders and slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper Dieudonne Ntibahezwa at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala.

After conceding the goal, Burundi tried to reorganize themselves as Shabani Kagayo and Destin Maniriho keept the Ugandan defenders busy.

Seven minutes into the second half Gloire Ngongo Tambwe had his stot blocked by the Ugandan goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

The two teams continued to create scoring opportunities, but failed to take them. The return leg will be played on December 29^th, 2024 at the same Stadium.

Jimmy Ndayizeye, the Burundi coach said that his team had  failed to take their chances. “We need to go back and reorganize better for the return leg,” added Ndayizeye.

The Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put said he was happy with the win in the first leg, but added that there is still work to be done ahead of the return leg.

Action in the CHAN qualifiers returns on Friday with Sudan facing Ethiopia, while Rwanda host South Sudan on Saturday. Sudan and South Sudan registered wins in the first leg matches

Hosts of the CHAN 2024 Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya have automatically qualified for the tournament. The CHAN 2024 tournament meant for only players featuring in their home Leagues will take place February 1-28^th, 2025.