Discipline over dominance: How Senegal turned control into victory against Uganda

Senegal’s progress to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 owed less to attacking fireworks and more to a defensive masterclass, says Abraham Mebratu Gebreslassie, a member of the CAF Technical Study Group at the tournament.

In front of over 35,000 passionate fans at the Mandela National Stadium, Uganda carried the fight, dominated possession, and carved out more shots — but could not crack the Lions of Teranga’s tactical code.

The champions defended with intelligence, discipline, and mental clarity, showcasing why experience matters on nights of high tension.

When their one decisive moment came, they seized it, Oumar Ba finishing off a textbook Senegalese move midway through the second half.

Uganda, making history by reaching this stage for the first time, fought to the last minute and left with pride, but the contest illustrated the fine margins that separate a spirited challenger from a seasoned title-holder.

For CAF Technical Study Group member Abraham Mebratu Gebreslassie, the win was less about a single strike and more about a masterclass in defensive discipline and tournament maturity.

Defensive steel against home pressure

Uganda enjoyed more of the ball, finishing with 58% possession and firing 15 shots to Senegal’s 7. Yet it was the Lions of Teranga who advanced thanks to a defensive display that combined structure with controlled aggression.

“Senegal’s backline was superbly disciplined,” Mebratu observed.

“They closed spaces, frustrated Uganda’s forwards and never lost their shape. They made 14 tackles and only six fouls — a perfect example of disrupting rhythm without panicking.”

Centre-backs Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse Samb marshalled the defence, winning aerial duels and blocking passing lanes.

Behind them, goalkeeper Marc Diouf commanded his box with authority, particularly in the final stages when Uganda pushed desperately for an equaliser.

The champions’ decisive moment

The only goal arrived in the 62nd minute from a move that reflected Senegal’s patience and timing.

Libasse Guèye, dangerous all evening on the right flank, whipped in a teasing cross. Oumar Ba ghosted into space at the far post and swept home a low finish past Joel Mutakubwa.

“It was a clinical Senegalese goal,” Mebratu said.

“Composure in the build-up, accuracy in the delivery, and a striker ready to punish a momentary lapse from Uganda’s defence.”

For coach Souleymane Diallo, it was proof that his side could withstand pressure and strike at the right time.

Uganda’s fight and missed chances

For Uganda, coached by Morley Byekwaso, the result was a bitter pill but not without pride. Making their first-ever knockout appearance at CHAN, the Cranes showed resilience even after conceding.

Substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe twice went close, while Allan Okello forced Diouf into a superb first-half save. Their best chance came in the 68th minute when Gavin Kizito’s header from a corner flashed wide with the keeper beaten.

“The resilience Uganda showed was the same we saw in their dramatic comeback against South Africa in the group stage,” Mebratu said.

“But at this level, missed chances are punished. They created enough but lacked the finishing edge.”

Tactical contrasts

The game underlined the fine margins between enthusiasm and experience. Uganda pressed and probed but lacked efficiency, while Senegal’s tactical maturity was decisive.

“Uganda had more opportunities, but Senegal knew how to manage the crucial moments,” Mebratu explained.

“They refreshed their side with substitutions — Koïté, Vieux Cissé, and Mbaye Ndiaye — which helped them maintain energy and composure in the final stages.”

Senegal’s flexibility in shifting to contain Uganda’s aerial threat and their calm approach to transitions highlighted their maturity.

Mentality in front of 35,000

With over 35,000 Ugandan fans roaring at the Mandela National Stadium, the test of mental resilience was as great as the tactical one.

“Senegal’s composure in such a charged atmosphere was outstanding,” Mebratu said.

“They didn’t get distracted, they didn’t panic. Their mental preparation was as important as their tactical plan.”

Diallo echoed this afterwards, praising his players for their focus. Byekwaso, meanwhile, insisted Uganda would “learn and come back stronger.”

A lesson in maturity

For Senegal, the clean sheet was another reminder of their tournament pedigree.

They entered the tie with the best defensive record and have now conceded just once in the competition.

For Uganda, this quarter-final exit still marked progress. “They showed tactical adaptability, resilience and ambition,” Mebratu concluded.

“Yes, they must improve in finishing and defensive solidity, but this campaign proved they are emerging as a growing force in African football.”

As the stadium fell quiet after Ba’s strike, the difference between a seasoned champion and a newcomer to the knockout stage was clear: Senegal played with patience, clarity, and discipline, while Uganda fought bravely but could not turn possession into goals.

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