Uganda Cranes midfielder Kenneth Ssemakula has admitted that the Cranes in the CHAN competition to compete this year following their 1-0 win over Senegal on Wednesday.

The Cranes picked 1-0 win over the Lions of Terranga in their second Group B game at the ongoing African Nations Championship in Algeria.

Captain Milton Karisa scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute in a game held at the 19th May 1956 Stadium in Annaba.

And Ssemakula, making his full debut at this competition was named man of the match.

Speaking after the game, Ssemakula attributed the win to his teammates.

“We thank the almighty God for this win, we worked as a team and I thank my teammates, Ssemakula told the pressmen after the game.

It was a good day for Ssemakula, who was playing his first game at the competition.

On Wednesday, head coach ‘Micho’ made one change from the team that drew goalless against DR Congo, with Ssemakula starting ahead of Karim Watambala.

The SC Villa midfielder paid back Micho’s trust, putting up a spirited performance that earned him the man of the match accolade.

And he delivered a well weighed-ball to goal scorer Milton Karisa in the 33rd minute, a moment that earned Uganda all the vital three points.

The win, second for Uganda ever at the CHAN competition ensured that they moved top of the group and are on brink of history, having not gone past the group stages the past five editions.

But following their win over Senegal, Ssemakula said that they are now ready to compete this time round.

“We came here to compete and that’s what we are doing. That was our target to fight hard against the big boys, he added.

Victory against Senegal saw Uganda go top of Group B with four points having drawn their opener goalless with DR Congo.

On sunday, atleast a draw against Ivory Coast or even a win will see Uganda Cranes break the jinx and qualify to their first ever CHAN Quarterfinals.

Current Table standings

Team Points
Uganda. – 4

Senegal – 3

DR Congo – 2

Ivory Coast – 1