Milton Karisa made the difference as Uganda defeated Senegal 1-0 in a Group B game at the 2022 African Nations Championship on Thursday.
The Cranes had played out a goalless draw with two-time champions DR Congo in their opening fixture and the victory boosted their chances of progressing to the next round.
The Senegalese threatened with two close opportunities in the opening 20 minutes but Uganda had goalkeeper Legason Alionzi to thank in thwarting away the danger.
The West Africans were presented with a chance to score from the penalty spot in the 25th minute but again Alionzi made a brilliant save. It made it the second time Senegal failed to convert a penalty having done so in their opener against the Ivory Coast.
The Ugandans took the lead in the 32nd minute after skipper Karisa connected with a cross and drilled in a low shot despite being heavily marked in the box. The East Africans had an appeal for a penalty in the second half but it was turned down after a review from VAR.
Senegal’s woes were compounded in the 82nd minute after Libasse Ngom was given a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge.
FULL-TIME! ⏰
🇺🇬 Mitlon Karisa’s first-half goal proves enough for Uganda to claim their first #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 victory 🔝#SENUGA pic.twitter.com/DHIQSWpH9t
— MARHABA (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2023
Uganda’s victory sees them top Group B with four points and gives them the opportunity to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time ever when they play Ivory Coast in their final group game.
