Algeria prove too strong as Uganda Cranes suffer 2-0 defeat

2023 AFCON Qualifiers
Results
Algeria 2 Uganda 0
Niger 1 Tanzania 1

Uganda started their 2023 AFCON Qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Algeria on Saturday in Algiers.

The North Africans took the lead through Aissa Mandi in the 18th minute. Cranes had a chance to level matters shortly after Aucho Khalid was brought down in the penalty area. However, Farouk Miya failed to convert the resultant penalty.

Thereafter, Algeria dominated the entire game as the visitors were focused on damage limitation.

In the first 45 minutes, Cranes employed an ultra-defensive approach even though the lineup was slightly attacked-minded.

Uganda was lucky to finish the first half 1-0 as goalkeeper Charles Lukwago made several saves to deny the Algerians

In the second half, Cranes tried to open up with the introduction of Martin Kizza and Steven Sserwadda but Algeria doubled the lead. Youcef Belaili dribbled past Cranes players before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Lukwago to make it 2-0.

Uganda who struggled to create chances will have to improve in their next game against Niger on June 8th at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende to have any chance of qualifying for AFCON 2023.

Uganda is in Group F with 2019 AFCON winners Algeria, Niger, and neighbours Tanzania.