David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes bounced back from their 3-0 defeat over Algeria in the opening game with a dominant performance against Guinea under the lights of Namboole on Friday.
The Cranes co-hosting the 2024 CHAN tournament thrashed Guinea 3-0 in their second match of group C.
Coach Morley Byekwaso made five changes from the team that lost to Algeria with Patrick Jonah Kakande, Arnold Odong, Gideon Odong and Emmanuel Anyama who started against Algeria all dropped for Reagan Mpande, Hillary Mukundane, Herbert Achai and Abdul Karim Watambala.
Mpande did not disappoint on his first start as he headed the Cranes into the lead off a brilliant Joel Sserunjogi cross at the half hour mark to send the home fans into delight.
At the stroke of halftime, Allan Okello came close to doubling Cranes lead but his effort went wide.
In the 58th minute, Okello was brought down in the forbidden area and the referee waved for play on before he got a VAR signal.
After VAR check, the referee pointed the spot becoming the first ever penalty to be given on Ugandan soil.
Okello who was stripped off the Uganda Cranes CHAN team captaincy before the game was entrusted with the responsibility and calmly doubled Uganda’s advantage.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe who replaced Jude Ssemugabi in the final minutes netted the third in the 90th minute after being fed by Abdul Karim Watambala.
Uganda prevailed to their biggest ever CHAN victory that takes them to second in group C after two games.
Meanwhile, Algeria who beat Uganda in the opening game drew 1-1 with South Africa in the first match on Friday.
Uganda Cranes next face Niger on Monday while South Africa lock horns with Guinea on the same day.
