CHAN 2024: Uganda Breaks the Barrier — “Our Target Has Changed,” Says Coach Byekwaso

 


By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku Juba | August 20, 2025 - Sports Hunter South Sudan

Historic First: Uganda Reaches CHAN Quarterfinals

After six consecutive group-stage exits, Uganda’s national team — the Cranes — has finally broken through at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

For the first time in their CHAN history, Uganda has secured a place in the quarterfinals, marking a momentous shift for a team that has consistently qualified — but never progressed.

Byekwaso to FUFA: “We’ve Made History, But We Want More”

Following the group-stage finale, Head Coach Morley Byekwaso spoke to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) about the team’s mindset moving forward.

“Our first target was to get out of the group for the first time ever, but now the target has changed,” he told FUFA officials.
“We have another game on Saturday, so after the excitement, we are going back to training with new words, new motivation and a new approach.”

His words reflect a clear shift: from simply hoping to advance, to believing they can go much further.

Uganda’s CHAN Timeline: From Persistence to Progress

Uganda has now participated in six straight CHAN tournaments before this 2024 breakthrough:

  • 🏟️ 2011 — Sudan

  • 🏟️ 2014 — South Africa

  • 🏟️ 2016 — Rwanda

  • 🏟️ 2018 — Morocco

  • 🏟️ 2020 — Cameroon

  • 🏟️ 2022 — Algeria

In every one of those, the Cranes bowed out at the group stage. That story has finally changed.

What’s Different in CHAN 2024?

This year’s team has shown:

  • Cohesion and chemistry

  • Improved game management

  • A clinical edge in attack

  • Belief under pressure

Uganda now plays with a mental sharpness and tactical clarity that has impressed even their skeptics.

East Africa Stands Tall

The Cranes’ success is being celebrated across the region — and especially in South Sudan, where fans see it as a win for East African football.

“This shows that with the right planning, East African teams can compete with the best on the continent,” said a football analyst in Juba.

Next Challenge: Quarterfinal vs Champions Senegal

Now comes their toughest test yet.
Uganda will take on defending CHAN champions Senegal in the quarterfinal on:

Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Mandela National Stadium

Senegal may be the favorites, but Uganda comes in with momentum, motivation, and history already on their side.

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