Uganda Cranes defeat Niger but not enough to qualify for 2023 AFCON
Despite defeating Niger, Thursday, September 7, 2023, in the match played at Grand Stade Marrakech, the Uganda Cranes will not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the second consecutive year.
Uganda cranes did their part in Morocco, beating Niger 2-0. But that was not enough as Tanzania held out for a goalless draw in Algeria for the Taifa Stars to qualify alongside the North Africans.
The Cranes, despite securing a 2-0 win at Grand Stade Marrakech in Morocco, didn’t make the cut for next year’s continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.
Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and Joseph Chaaya scored two goals in the first half to guide Uganda to victory.
On two occasions Niger forced Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola to come off his line to avert danger and Kayondo to intervene with a crucial tackle. But it is the visitors, Uganda, who instead took the lead against the run of play.
The Cranes attacked through the left wing, Kayondo glancing up and seeing Ugandan bodies inside Niger penalty box. The left back then weighted in a wonderful cross that outsmarted everyone, including Niger goalkeeper Naim Van Attenhoven and straight into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead on 17 minutes.
Niger continued passing the ball with the freedom of a side under no pressure, and Uganda huffed forward like one desperate to try creating a buffer. They got it after Niger failed to clear their lines and Milton Karisa’s clean shot was deflected in by Ochaya for 2-0 on 39 minutes. Niger continued having more of the ball after the break, but it is Uganda that pushed more directly, although with their front man Fahad Bayo not getting more of the ball.
However, the goalless draw between Algeria and Tanzania in Annaba meant the latter sailed through in second place.
Uganda went into the final group game on 4 points and needed to win to stand any chance of qualifying.
Additionally, there was also needed to have results from the other group game play in their favour and this meant Algeria winning.
In the game played at Grand Stade Marrakech, Kayondo fired Uganda into the lead in the 17th minute. An intended cross found itself into the back of the net, beating the goalkeeper who remained static.
Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic had asked his players for the “final product” on the night. They gave it, but because of mediocrity in the first batch of matches, Uganda ultimately paid the price. Micho’s future as Cranes coach will expectedly continue to be a topic of contention. The Serb is in his final year of his contract.
With six minutes to the end of the opening half, Ochaya doubled the advantage for the Cranes scoring from close range.
He was well stationed to flick Milton Karisma’s effort into the back of the net.
The second half had minimal scoring opportunities with Uganda playing cautiously to protect the lead.
Tanzania on the other hand in Algiers defended resiliently to earn a point that helped them move to eight points and thus qualify for AFCON.
Algeria finished on top of Group F with 16 points while Niger came last on 2 points.
Uganda cranes line up that started, Salim Omar Magoola (GK), Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Faruku Miya, Fahad Bayo, Milton Karisa, Joseph Ochaya
