Uganda Cranes conceded a late goal against Guinea to start their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a sad note.
Playing against the hosts at Stade Du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco, the Cranes fell 2-1 on Friday.
Seydouba Cisse managed to curl in a spectacular free-kick that eluded goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola in the 94th minute.
This decisive moment arose from a contested foul committed by Bevis Mugabi, leaving the Cranes to suffer a bitter end to an otherwise hard-fought battle.
Despite playing under new coach, Paul Put, the Cranes had showed resilience, with Fahad Bayo equalizing after Ali Camara had put Guinea ahead in the 10th minute.
Bayo was in the right place at the right time to bundle in from close range after the Guinean keeper had spilled an header from Halid Lwaliwa off Kenneth Ssemakula free-kick.
It’s a third straight loss for Uganda Cranes since the sacking of Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic, including the recent friendlies against Mali and Zambia.
However, in Friday’s match, the Cranes displayed improved performance and a more liberated attacking style, despite being at the backfoot for huge parts in the contest.
Exciting midfielder Travis Mutyaba, handed a starting position, played with enthusiasm and freedom, and came close to scoring, narrowly missing the target with a free kick.
Goalkeeper Salim Jamal may rue his performance on both goals; on the first, Camara managed to slip the ball beneath him, and on the second, he was beaten by a powerful free kick that sailed over him.
Looking to bounce back, the Cranes will aim for redemption on Tuesday when they take on Somalia at the same venue.
Players Used
Guinea – Kone Ibrahim, Conte Antoine, Jeannier Julien, Sow Saidou, Sylla Sekou, Diawara Amadou, Toure Abdoulaye, Kourouma Moriba, Kamara Aguibou, Francis Kamano, Bayo Mohamed
Uganda – Salim Jamal, Kenneth Ssemakula, Azizi Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Bevis Mugabi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Khalid Aucho, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo
