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CAF
6 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Okello, Lamlioui and Kutumela in tight Golden Boot race as CHAN 2024 quarter-finals loom
With the group stage of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 concluded, the battle for the tournament's Golden Boot is heating up as the competition heads into the quarter-final phase in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. At the top of the scoring charts are South Africa's Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda's Allan Okello, and Morocco's Oussama Lamlioui – each with three goals to their name. Their form has not only propelled their teams forward but also lit up the group stage with moments of clinical finishing. Kutumela carries South Africa's attack Kutumela has been central to South Africa's forward play, scoring three crucial goals. His sharp movement and composure in front of goal kept Bafana Bafana in contention until the very last group match. Despite South Africa's exit, his tally ensures his name remains among the standout performers of the tournament. Okello inspires Uganda's historic run For Uganda, Allan Okello has been the heartbeat of their attacking play. His three goals, including decisive finishes in Kampala, helped the Cranes top Group C for the first time in their CHAN history. With Uganda now set for a huge quarter-final clash against Senegal, Okello's form could yet prove decisive in carrying the co-hosts deeper into the competition. Lamlioui makes Morocco tick Morocco's Oussama Lamlioui has equally impressed, finding the net three times during the group stage. His goals have underpinned Morocco's progress to the quarter-finals, as the Atlas Lions seek a third CHAN crown. With a heavyweight clash against hosts Tanzania next, Lamlioui will be key to Morocco's ambitions. The chasing pack Just behind the leading trio are several players on two goals each, including Madagascar's Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, Morocco's Mohamed Hrimat, Kenya's Ryan Ogam and Austin Odhiambo, as well as Tanzania's Clement Mzize. Their contributions underline the depth of attacking talent across the tournament. With the knockout rounds set to deliver even more drama, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. As stadiums in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kampala prepare for the quarter-final matches, the forwards in form will have another chance to etch their names into CHAN history. Current Top Scorers – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 (Quarter-Finals stage) 3 goals: Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa – eliminated) Allan Okello (Uganda) Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco) 2 goals: Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa (Madagascar) Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco) Jephte Kitambala (DR Congo – eliminated) Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria) Kaporal (Angola – eliminated) Clement Mzize (Tanzania) Austine Odhiambo (Kenya) Ryan Ogam (Kenya) Omer Ahmed Abdelraziq (Sudan) 1 goal: (A full list includes 50+ names across Algeria, Uganda, Guinea, Zambia, Tanzania, Sudan, South Africa, Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Nigeria, players remain in contention should they extend their tally in the coming rounds.)
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda survive six-goal thriller against Bafana Bafana to reach CHAN quarter-finals
Published: Monday, 18 August 2025 Uganda clinched a historic place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa in front of 34,194 fans at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Monday night. The result, coupled with Algeria's goalless stalemate against Niger in the other Group C fixture, ensured the Cranes advanced as group winners for the first time in their CHAN history, while South Africa's campaign ended in heartbreak. Uganda Make History in Kampala Needing just a draw to seal their place in the last eight, Uganda looked set to cruise when Jude Ssemugabi put them ahead in the 31st minute, firing home from Patrick Kakande's assist on the counter-attack. The Cranes carried their lead into half-time and appeared in control, but what followed after the break was a breathless contest that swung back and forth until the final whistle. South Africa Fight Back The Bafana Bafana emerged transformed in the second half. Ramahlwe Mphahlele's close-range strike, awarded after a VAR check in the 52nd minute, dragged them level before Thabiso Kutumela's sharp finish from a tight angle made it 2-1 just six minutes later. The visitors' momentum continued when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo unleashed a stunning effort from outside the box to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute. For a brief moment, South Africa looked destined to stage one of the tournament's great turnarounds. Uganda's Dramatic Response But the hosts refused to fold. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty three minutes later, and Allan Okello calmly converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, reigniting belief inside the stadium. The drama reached fever pitch deep into stoppage time. With the fourth official signalling eight additional minutes, Uganda poured forward and forced another penalty after a handball by Menzi Masuku. Rogers Torach stepped up in the 96th minute, slotting home to spark wild celebrations as Uganda secured the draw they needed. Group C Decided The result leaves Uganda top of Group C with seven points, one ahead of Algeria on six. South Africa also finish on six but fall short on goal difference, while Guinea (four points) and Niger (two points) exit the competition. For the Cranes, who had never reached the CHAN knockouts in seven previous attempts, this represents a landmark achievement. South Africa, meanwhile, are left to reflect on how close they came to advancing after leading with just minutes to play. Quarter-Final Prospects Uganda now march into the last eight with belief strengthened by their fighting spirit, while Algeria progress as runners-up. The Cranes' defensive resilience and Allan Okello's attacking spark will be crucial as they continue their bid to extend a dream run on home soil. For South Africa, the tournament ends in disappointment but with pride in their battling display. Their inability to hold on in the dying minutes, however, will sting for some time.
CAF
29-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda unveil final 25-man squad for historic CHAN 2024 campaign
Published: Monday, 28 July 2025 Uganda have officially named their final 25-man squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, as excitement builds ahead of the tournament's return to East Africa. Led by inspirational captain Allan Okello, the Cranes' selection reflects a strategic balance of youth and experience drawn exclusively from the domestic league – a requirement for CHAN eligibility. With co-hosting responsibilities shared between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the Cranes are determined to make their mark in front of home fans. Head coach Morley Byekwaso and his technical team at FUFA have placed emphasis on tactical versatility and mental resilience, eyeing a strong run in Group C, where Uganda will face heavyweights Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. Uganda kick off their CHAN 2024 journey on August 4 against Algeria, in what promises to be a blockbuster opening for the Cranes. The tournament presents a rare platform for homegrown players to shine on the continental stage, with scouts and clubs closely monitoring standout performances. The final list includes top performers from local clubs like Vipers SC, KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Kitara FC, who dominate the roster with multiple call-ups. Okello, one of Uganda's most technically gifted midfielders, will shoulder the leadership role, supported by key talents such as Yunus Sentamu, Enock Ssebagala, and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza. Having exited early in previous CHAN editions, Uganda's ambition this time is to progress past the group stage and challenge for honours—especially with the home advantage and local support expected to lift their campaign. Below is the full 25-man squad selected for CHAN 2024: Goalkeepers Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 1 Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC) – Shirt No. 18 Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC) – Shirt No. 19 Defenders4. Arnold Odong (SC Villa) – Shirt No. 25. Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC) – Shirt No. 36. Gideon Odongo (NEC FC) – Shirt No. 47. Herbert Achai (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 58. Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 159. Hilary Panuel Mukundane (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 1610. Kizito Mugweri Gavin (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 22 11. Rogers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 13 Midfielders12. Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC) – Shirt No. 713. Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa) – Shirt No. 814. Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 1115. Reagan Mpande (SC Villa) – Shirt No. 1416. Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 617. Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 2318. Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 2419. Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 25 20. Allan Okello (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 21 (Captain) Forwards21. Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 922. Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa) – Shirt No. 1023. Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 2024. Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC) – Shirt No. 17 25. Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC) – Shirt No. 12
