The Uganda Cranes executed a strong return to form against Guinea, signaling a decisive step back toward their full football business after a challenging start at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. After suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Algeria in their tournament opener on August 4, 2025, the Cranes regrouped and refocused their efforts to secure a critical win against Guinea, breaking their CHAN campaign drought and reestablishing themselves as serious contenders.
In preparation for the vital Group C clash against Guinea, held on August 8, 2025, Uganda’s team undertook an intensive recovery and tactical session at the newly built FIFA-funded Kadiba facility in Kampala. The coaching staff, led by head coach Morley Byekwaso, concentrated on addressing the defensive lapses and attacking inefficiencies that had plagued them against Algeria. Emphasis was placed on enhancing defensive discipline and increasing offensive sharpness—vital improvements needed to revive the team’s prospects in the tournament.
The match against Guinea proved pivotal. Historically, the Uganda Cranes and Guinea have had a competitive football rivalry, facing off multiple times in both FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations precedents. Most recently, in March 2025 during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the Cranes earned a tense 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, thanks to a stunning free-kick by Allan Okello—a sign of the team’s ability to deliver results under pressure.
The CHAN 2024 encounter saw Uganda perform with renewed vigor. The Cranes dominated, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Guinea that revitalized their campaign and boosted morale within the squad and supporters alike. The comprehensive nature of the win—a header, a penalty, and a late stoppage-time goal—demonstrated Uganda’s balanced attacking prowess and defensive solidity, which had been missing in the previous match against Algeria.
This win was more than a mere scoreline; it marked a symbolic return to confidence and competitiveness for the Cranes. It kept their hopes alive of reaching the knockout stages, a crucial objective given their rocky start. The victory also had tangible rewards: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had pledged 1.2 billion Ugandan shillings for every match the team wins in the tournament, incentivizing the players to perform at their best.
Coach Morley Byekwaso highlighted the importance of this bounce-back, stressing the team’s determination to seize every opportunity and learn from setbacks. The Cranes’ strategic regrouping and disciplined performance against Guinea show the resilience and tactical adaptability required to navigate tough continental tournaments.
Looking ahead, the Uganda Cranes appear poised to build on this momentum. With a squad blending experienced campaigners and emerging talents from various Ugandan clubs, the team is well equipped to continue its resurgence during CHAN 2024 and beyond. The clash against Guinea on August 8 serves as a reminder of the Cranes’ capability to return to full business, restoring faith in their prospects to advance deep into the tournament stages and to compete internationally with renewed vigor.
In conclusion, the Uganda Cranes‘ dispatching of Guinea has marked a significant turning point in their 2024 campaign, restoring hope and proving their resilience after early setbacks. This return to winning form reflects careful tactical recalibration, spirited performance, and a collective commitment to reclaiming full football business on the continental stage.