Uganda holds on to beat Congo in CHAN opener

Uganda Cranes started their campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CHAN) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday.

Goals from Milton Karisa and Steven Mukwala in either half proved enough to secure the win for Uganda, despite a late consolation from Jean-Marc Makusu Mundele for Congo.

The win gives Uganda a great start to their Group B campaign, and they will now face Senegal in their next match on Tuesday, while Congo will take on Ivory Coast.

Uganda made a bright start to the match and took the lead in the 18th minute when Karisa fired home from close range after a cross from Mukwala.

Congo came close to equalizing on several occasions, but Uganda goalkeeper Charles Lukwago was in fine form and made a number of important saves.

Uganda doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Mukwala latched onto a long ball and rounded Congo goalkeeper Guy-Serge Mukumi before slotting home.

Congo pulled a goal back in the 85th minute when Makusu Mundele headed home from a corner, but it was too little, too late for the Leopards.

Uganda's victory is a significant achievement, as they have never won their opening match at the CHAN before.

The Cranes will now be confident of reaching the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since 2014.

Congo, meanwhile, will be disappointed with the result, but they will still have a chance to qualify for the knockout stages if they can beat Senegal in their next match.