Uganda Cranes have kept their CHAN 2025 hopes burning bright after a 2-0 win over Niger at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole — but qualification now comes down to pure mathematics.

Allan Okello broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, reacting quickest to slot home a rebound after missing an earlier penalty.

Joel Sserunjogi doubled the lead with a composed strike from inside the 18-yard box, securing Uganda’s second win of the tournament.

Earlier, South Africa revived their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, courtesy of Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela. That result means the fight for the two quarter-final slots in Group C will go to the wire.

Group C Standings:

1. Uganda – 6 pts

2. Algeria – 4 pts

3. South Africa – 4 pts

4. Guinea – 3 pts

5. Niger – 0 pts

The Qualification Equation:

If South Africa beat Niger, Uganda must win to secure a last-eight spot.Algeria, with two games in hand, could still top the group if they claim maximum points against Guinea and Niger.

If South Africa fail to beat Niger on Friday, Uganda need only a draw in their final game against Bafana Bafana on Monday, August 18.

Guinea’s slim hopes depend on beating Algeria and getting help from other results, while Niger would need back-to-back wins to stay alive — a near impossibility given their current form.

Uganda have never reached the CHAN quarter-finals in six previous attempts, and now stand 90 minutes — and one tricky set of permutations — away from rewriting the record books