How Senegal’s tactical brilliance ended Uganda’s fairytale run at CHAN 2024

At the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday, two footballing philosophies collided — one powered by the unrelenting passion of a home crowd and a team making history, the other sculpted by years of experience and tactical precision.

Uganda, daring and ambitious, discovered the fine margins that separate promise from progress.

Senegal, calm and composed, offered a masterclass in strategy that carried them into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

Uganda’s Brave Effort Meets a Wall of Experience

The Cranes dominated large spells of possession, enjoying 58% of the ball and outshooting their opponents 15 to 7.

Yet, when it mattered most, their efforts fell short against a Senegalese side that combined discipline with game management.

For all Uganda’s energy and creativity, they could not unpick the well-organized back line of the “Lions of Teranga.”

Coach Morley Byekwaso admitted the pain of missed chances: “We lost this game today. Thank God we gave our best. In such a difficult match, we missed some opportunities, and that cost us dearly. The Senegal champion didn’t rely only on talent; they had the experience to handle this game.”

Byekwaso’s Reflection: Lessons for the Future

For Uganda, this tournament was a step forward — breaking the group stage barrier for the first time.

But the elimination laid bare areas for growth. Injuries disrupted plans, forcing tactical adjustments that fell short against seasoned opposition.

“The system is built around the players. We tried to bring Inos to help, but unfortunately we failed and conceded chances.

That is why we are out of the tournament,” Byekwaso explained, before stressing the need for development in speed, strength, and tactical adaptability.

Diallo’s Senegal: A Study in Mental Strength

On the other side, Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo credited mental preparation and strategic clarity for their success.

His side may not have dominated possession, but they mastered the key moments of the contest.

“Tonight we delivered an excellent performance against a very good Uganda team. High-level football demands a lot. One of the key factors for performance is the mental aspect. All the players were prepared and focused,” Diallo said.

He revealed the tactical plan that tilted the balance: “We had to make strategic decisions during the game, asking our strong players to win the first aerial duel and then guide the second. I feel they did this very well, especially in the last ten minutes.”

Numbers That Tell the Story

The statistics underlined Senegal’s discipline. They completed 14 tackles while committing just 6 fouls, compared to Uganda’s 15 fouls from 10 tackles.

Senegal may have conceded possession but used every defensive action with efficiency, frustrating the Cranes in the final third.

Uganda, meanwhile, showed heart and ambition, but at this level, fine margins define outcomes.

A Clash of Identity and Ambition

Ultimately, Uganda’s journey ends with pride but also lessons for the future, while Senegal march on to the semi-finals, carrying with them the maturity of champions.

For the Cranes, the evening was a reminder that passion and effort must be paired with the strategic calm that defines tournament-winning sides.

For the Lions of Teranga, it was confirmation that experience — coupled with resilience — remains their greatest weapon.

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