Joel Sserunjogi and Allan Okello starred as the Uganda Cranes beat Niger 2-0 in the African Nations Championship at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday.
The win lifts Uganda to the top of Group C with six points, two ahead of Algeria and South Africa, who have a game in hand.
Uganda started brightly, with Enock Ssebagala heading just wide from Herbert Achai’s cross in the 14th minute.
The opener came in the 25th after VAR confirmed a foul on Reagan Mpande in the box. Okello’s penalty was saved, but he pounced on the rebound to score.
Karim Watambala later sent Jude Ssemugabi through on goal, but the striker missed a one-on-one.
Okello kept the pressure on, dancing past defenders and almost setting up Ssemugabi again before halftime.
Ten minutes into the second half, Sserunjogi sealed the win with a stunning strike after a neat pass from Okello. Uganda’s joy was tempered when Ssebagala limped off injured, replaced by Elvis Ngonde.
The Cranes now face South Africa on August 18, where a win would secure top spot and a strong quarterfinal position.
