Mandela National Stadium, Namboole – Uganda Cranes’ fairytale run at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 came to an end on Saturday night after a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the quarter-finals.
The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Senegal capitalized on a rare defensive lapse, breaking Ugandan hearts despite a spirited performance from the boys in red, black, and yellow.
Coach Byekwaso: “Proud of the Team”
Head Coach Morley Byekwaso expressed pride in his charges despite the result:
“We gave everything on the pitch, but football can be cruel. Senegal took their chance, and that made the difference. I’m proud of the boys for the fight, the discipline, and the commitment they showed. This tournament has given us a lot of lessons, and we shall come back stronger.”
He added:
“The boys gave it their all, and I also tried to make changes in the second half by introducing another striker to support Ahimbisibwe. But sometimes luck is not on your side, and no matter what you do, things just don’t go your way.”
Players’ Messages
Midfielder Patrick Jonah Kakande, who was instrumental throughout the tournament, shared an emotional message after the final whistle:
“We wanted to make history for Uganda, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. I thank Ugandans for standing with us; your support kept us going.”
Playmaker Allan Okello echoed his teammate’s sentiments:
“It’s painful to go out, but we leave with our heads held high. We fought as a team, and I know Uganda football has a bright future.”
Semi-Final Line-Up
With Uganda now out, the CHAN 2024 semi-final picture is set. The four teams advancing are:
Morocco
Madagascar
Sudan
Senegal
The stage is now set for an intense battle as Africa’s finest chase continental glory.
Fans’ Reactions
Despite the loss, Ugandan fans showered the Cranes with praise, highlighting their resilience and improved performance throughout the tournament.
One fan outside Namboole summed it up: “The boys fought with heart. We are proud, even in defeat. This team has given us belief that Uganda is back on the big stage.”
Another added: “We didn’t just lose; we showed Africa that Uganda football is growing. The future is bright.”
