Afcon 2023: Uganda Cranes fall to Algeria as Qualification hopes hang on thread

AFCON Qualifiers Group F (Sunday, June 18)
•Tanzania 1-0 Niger
•Uganda 1-2 Algeria

Uganda’s chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast suffered another big blow after the Cranes fell to African giants Algeria on Sunday evening.

The match which the Cranes hosted at Japoma Stadium in Cameroon ended in a 2-1 victory for Algeria with the only solo goal for Uganda coming through Fahad Bayo.

Algeria took a commanding lead, thanks to a brace from Mohamed Amoura including an opener which came after a goalkeeping error from Cranes Goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola.

Jamal misplaced a pass which was picked by Haris Belkebra, whose shot was spilt by the Richards Bay goalkeeper, and Amoura reacted the quickest to bundle home.

Amoura later benefited from the quality of substitutes Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb who combined to pick at the far end before slotting into an unguarded net in the second half.

Bayo, off the bench, was at the end of Richard Basangwa’s good cross to poke in one for Cranes that proved a consolation.

The defeat, third for Cranes in the campaign, leaves Uganda in third place, but three points below Tanzania who brat Niger in Dar Es Salaam.

And the qualification chances are out of the Cranes’ hands as the side will have ears in Algeria Vs Tanzania match when they face Niger in the last game in September.

The Crane’s final group game will be away to Niger in September where they will need to win by a margin of three goals and hope Tanzania lose to Algeria to stand a chance of qualifying.

Group F Table (last updated June 18, 19:30 Hrs EAT) :

1. Algeria ???????? – 15
2. Tanzania ???????? – 7
3. Uganda ???????? – 4
4. Niger ???????? – 2

Uganda Cranes starting XI
Salim Magoola, Kenneth Semakula, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Gift Fred, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Faruku Miya, Emmanuel Okwi, Rogers Mato, Milton Karisa