By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Cranes CHAN team has earned a Shs 1.2 billion cash reward following a dominant 3-0 victory over Guinea in their first group-stage match of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
Played at the fully-packed Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the match saw Uganda’s locally based players deliver a stellar performance to bag three vital points.
Goals from Regan Mpande (31st minute), Allan Okello (62nd minute penalty), and substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe (89th minute) secured the historic win.
In a press conference held on August 4th at Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Nalongo Anita Annet Among, conveyed a congratulatory message from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The President pledged a cash reward of Shs 1.2 billion for each win the Uganda Cranes secure in the tournament.
Despite his standout performance that earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ title, Allan Okello was recently dropped as CHAN team captain due to concerns over his vocal leadership.
The captain’s armband was handed to Vipers SC defender Rogers Torach, who now leads the squad.
Coach Molly Byekwaso made four strategic changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Regan Mpande, Herbert Achai, Hillary Mukundane, and Abdul Karim Watambala.
They replaced Patrick Jonah Kakande, Arnold Odongo, Gideon Odongo, and Emmanuel Anyama.
Uganda dominated the match with 59% possession compared to Guinea’s 41%, registering 12 shots on goal against Guinea’s six.
Following this win, Uganda sits second in the group with three points, just one point behind leaders Algeria.
The Cranes are set to return to action on Monday, August 11th, 2025, against Niger at 8:00 PM.
