CHAN 2025: Uganda and Senegal-final set for sold-out Namboole Stadium

Uganda’s CHAN 2025 quarter-final clash with Senegal will be played in front of a packed Mandela National Stadium on Saturday, 23 August, with all tickets officially sold out.

The highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for 2 p.m. local time, is set to draw a capacity crowd as Ugandan supporters rally behind the Cranes in their bid for a semi-final berth.

Tournament organisers confirmed that ticket demand has soared well beyond expectations, with online requests surpassing the stadium’s seating capacity by more than four times.

Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, the communications officer for the competition, revealed that ticketing is now exclusively managed through CAF’s online platform, with physical ticket sales suspended since the opening day of distribution to mitigate fraud and prevent overcrowding.

“The excitement around this fixture has been incredible, and we’ve had to rely solely on the online system to ensure security and fairness,” Mugimba said, emphasising that every available seat in the stadium has already been allocated.

The Mandela National Stadium, widely regarded as a fortress for the Ugandan national team, is expected to provide an electrifying atmosphere as the hosts aim to capitalise on home advantage. The Cranes will be buoyed by a passionate home crowd eager to see their team advance deep into the tournament.

For Senegal, the task will be no less daunting. Head coach Souleymane Diallo’s side must navigate the intense pressure of the Ugandan support as they push to extend their campaign and secure a place among the competition’s final four.

Diallo’s men face the challenge of maintaining composure and delivering a decisive performance against a host team brimming with confidence.

The quarter-final has quickly become one of the standout fixtures of the tournament, reflecting both nations’ ambitions to make a strong mark in this year’s competition.

Uganda, backed by an entire nation, are determined to rise to the occasion, while Senegal’s Lions of Teranga remain equally committed to asserting their pedigree on the continental stage.

With anticipation building throughout Kampala and beyond, organisers have stepped up security and logistical preparations to manage the influx of fans expected at Namboole.

Officials are urging supporters to arrive early, given the full capacity crowd and heightened matchday protocols.

As both teams finalise their preparations, the fixture promises to deliver high drama, skill, and intensity, with the roar of a sold-out stadium set to provide an unforgettable backdrop.

Saturday’s clash not only carries significant weight for both sides’ CHAN aspirations but also highlights the growing passion and competitiveness of African football at the national level.