Taifa Stars edge Uganda Cranes

MANYARA: TAIFA Stars secured a 1–0 victory over Uganda Cranes in their opening match of the Pre-CHAN Tournament at Karatu Stadium yesterday.

The decisive moment came in the first half when Iddi Suleiman broke the deadlock for Taifa Stars after being teed up by Feisal Salum, unleashing a powerful low drive from outside the box that flew past Cranes’ goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

Taifa Stars came close to doubling their lead following a neat onetwo between Nassoro Saadun and Abdul Sopu.

The move carved open the Ugandan defence, but Sopu’s final effort sailed just over the bar. Suleiman’s goal proved enough to seal the win, despite Uganda’s efforts to respond. Uganda nearly found an equaliser late in the first half.

A well-delivered set piece from Allan Okello found Jude Ssemugabi in the box, but his headed attempt was brilliantly saved by Taifa Stars goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman, just minutes before the break.

Just minutes into the second half, Uganda Cranes’ Abdul Karim Watambala came close to finding an equaliser with a low, powerful strike from outside the box.

However, Taifa Stars goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman was equal to the task, pulling off another crucial save.

The encounter between East African neighbours Tanzania and Uganda was a closely contested affair, marked by discipline, tactical awareness and well-organised defending from both sides.

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Taifa Stars and the Uganda Cranes each showcased a solid back line, forcing both teams to look for alternative routes to goal.

With limited space in the final third, both sides increasingly relied on long-range efforts—“bullets” from outside the box to test the goalkeepers.

While Tanzania succeeded through Iddi Suleiman’s thunderous first-half strike, Uganda came close on several occasions but lacked the finishing touch.

The midfield battle was intense throughout the match, with both teams pressing high and challenging for every ball.

This congestion in central areas led to frequent use of diagonal passes to bypass the press and create spaces on the flanks.

Despite moments of flair, the game remained tactically tight, offering few clear-cut chances and underlining the competitive edge of this regional rivalry.

The tournament features three participating nations: Hosts Tanzania, Uganda and Senegal.

Following the result, Uganda will face Senegal on Thursday, while Taifa Stars will return to action on Sunday, also against Senegal.