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CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Co-hosts Uganda face Niger test in Group C
Uganda and Niger will meet each other for the first time at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship when they clash in a Group C encounter in Kampala on Monday. Niger are Uganda's 20th different opponents at CHAN. Uganda are facing West African opponents for an eighth time; their record reads P7 W3 D2 L2. In previous games against West African teams, Uganda have managed wins in 2014, at the 2022 edition, and at the current finals against Burkina Faso, Senegal and Guinea. They have two draws against Mali in 2016 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2018, and two losses — to Togo in 2020 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022. This is Niger's first game against an East African team. Niger are facing a tournament host for the third time, having lost a quarter-final on penalties against Sudan in 2011 after the game ended 1-1, and a semi-final 5-0 against Algeria at the 2022 edition. Uganda are the 15th team that Niger will face at CHAN. Niger – Key Facts Began with a 1-0 loss to Guinea in their opening game. Have lost their last three games; last win was against Ghana in the 2022 edition quarter-final. Currently on their longest losing run at CHAN. Have never previously lost their first two games at CHAN, though they began twice without winning their first two: in 2016 (lost and drew) and in 2020 (drew both games). Failed to score in their last three games at CHAN. Have gone 348 minutes without scoring at CHAN. First time they have ever failed to score in three consecutive games at the finals. Record in second group games: P4 W1 D2 L1. In second group games, they beat Cameroon at the 2022 edition, drew with Guinea and Congo in 2016 and 2020, and lost to South Africa in 2020. Ridouane Assane attempted six tackles against Guinea, more than any other player. Abdoul-Latif Gourney had Niger's only shot on target against Guinea, in the first half; they had none in the second half. Uganda – Key Facts Both games so far have ended 3-0: a loss to Algeria and a win against Guinea. Win over Guinea was just their third at CHAN (D5 L11). Could achieve back-to-back wins for the first time if they win again. Win over Guinea was their biggest at CHAN. First time scoring three goals in a CHAN game; previous best was a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso in 2014. Kept their sixth clean sheet at CHAN in the win over Guinea. Had 12 shots at goal against Guinea, four on target, scoring with three. Scorers vs Guinea: Reagan Mpande, Allan Okelo (penalty), Ivan Ahmibisiwe. Herbert Achayi made 16 final-third entries against Guinea, the most by a Ugandan player. Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa kept his first CHAN clean sheet vs Guinea, making two saves (four total in the tournament).
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Guinea hold off Niger to start CHAN 2024 with victory
Guinea began their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over regional rivals Niger on Monday at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The win was sealed by a second-half strike from Mohamed Bangoura II, who netted shortly after the restart following a VAR review. It marked a cagey, often physical affair in which Guinea's superior game management and defensive structure saw them over the line in this Group C opener. In a repeat of their thrilling 2-2 draw at the 2016 edition, expectations were high for another open contest, but both sides approached the encounter with caution, especially in the early stages. Guinea came into the match unbeaten in open play in their last seven CHAN games, while Niger sought to avoid a third straight tournament defeat. The first half was scrappy and full of midfield tussles. Chances were few and far between, with long-range efforts from Lansana Sylla and Théodore Jules testing the goalkeepers but never truly threatening to break the deadlock. The tempo was repeatedly broken by fouls, and the match saw five yellow cards dished out—three to Niger. The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half. Guinea winger Alhassane Bangoura whipped in a low cross from the left and Bangoura II reacted first, steering a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner. The assistant referee initially raised his flag, but after a brief VAR check, the goal was confirmed—sending the Syli Nationale bench into celebration. Niger responded by throwing men forward, with substitute Abdoul-Latif Goumey coming closest to equalising with a looping header that went just wide in the 76th minute. Ridouane Assane also tested the Guinea defence with a couple of long-range drives, while Bilal Oumarou's deliveries from the flanks gave hope of a late comeback. But Guinea remained resolute. Centre-back Mohamed Diabaté led a disciplined back line, while Ousmane Drame and substitute Ibrahima Sankhon added steel in midfield. Goalkeeper Ousmane Camara was rarely troubled, but he commanded his area well during a flurry of Niger corners in stoppage time. Referee Mehrez Melki signaled eight added minutes, and Niger pushed desperately for an equaliser. A last-ditch effort by Ridouane Assane was blocked in the 96th minute, and when Abdoul Kassali was flagged offside with one final run, Guinea's hard-earned three points were safe. The result gives Guinea an early edge in a highly competitive Group C, which also includes hosts Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa. For Niger, it was a frustrating start to their fifth CHAN appearance, especially after a promising fourth-place finish in 2022. Coach Harouna Doula's men now face an uphill battle to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Guinea, on the other hand, will look to build momentum as they chase another deep run in the tournament.
