David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes cruised past Niger 2-0 under the lights of Mandela National Stadium on Monday to keep their CHAN campaign alive.
Uganda is currently top of Group C with six points, two above Algeria and South Africa who have played a game less.
The Cranes for the second time benefited from VAR when the referee was signalled to check a foul on Reagan Mpande in the forbidden area.
After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot and Allan Okello was again entrusted with the responsibility.
Okello’s effort from the spot had been saved by Niger goalkeeper Mahamadou Tandja Djibrilla but was first to give the Cranes the lead off a rebound in the 25th minute.
Before Okello’s goal, Enock Ssebagala had a golden opportunity when his header went wide in the 14th minute.
Jude Ssemugabi also came close to doubling Uganda’s lead when he was fed by Okello towards the halftime breather but his effort went wide.
In the second period, Joel Sserunjogi who will be suspended for the game against South Africa doubled Cranes lead.
By full-time whistle, Uganda smiled to back to back wins for the first time in their CHAN final tournament history.
Uganda next face South Africa in the game they need to win to secure knockout progression on Monday next week.
Uganda XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Herbert Achai, Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Torach, Reagan Mpande, Hillary Mukundane, Allan Okello, Gavin Kizito, Joel Sserunjogi, Enock Ssebagala, Karim Watambala
Niger XI: Mahamadou Tandja Djibrilla Kassali, Adamou Ibrahim, Mohamed Papa, Ridouane Assane, Abdoul Kader, Chamsoudine Loukoumane, Hassane Harouna, Abdourahamane Djibo, Mohamed Abdourahamane, Nourou Yacouba, Abdoul Latif
