Uganda Cranes started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification marketing campaign with a hard-earned 1-1 draw in opposition to Tunisia in Tunis on Thursday evening.
The Cranes fell behind early on the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès however confirmed character to struggle their means again, with Rogers Mato scoring within the second half to safe a priceless level for Paul Put’s facet.
Tunisia began brightly and took the lead within the twelfth minute when Alaa Arous completed from Khalil Ayari’s supply to place the hosts 1-0 forward.
Uganda struggled to search out an equaliser earlier than the break and went into halftime trailing by a objective, regardless of remaining organised defensively.
Put responded shortly after the restart, introducing James Bogere for Travis Mutyaba within the 63rd minute as Uganda appeared for extra attacking risk.
The change helped shift the momentum.
5 minutes later, Nathan Asiimwe created the opening for Mato, who calmly completed within the 68th minute to revive parity and produce the Cranes stage at 1-1.
The equaliser gave Uganda renewed confidence, whereas Tunisia elevated their efforts to reclaim the lead.
Put made additional adjustments within the closing phases, bringing on Steven Mukwala for Mato and Allan Oyirwoth for Allan Okello within the 82nd minute earlier than Hillary Mukundane changed Alhassan Baba within the ninetieth minute as Uganda appeared to guard the outcome.
Regardless of late stress from the hosts, the Cranes held agency to depart Tunis with a degree.
The outcome provides Uganda a optimistic begin to their Group H marketing campaign, significantly after recovering from an early setback in opposition to one of many group’s skilled sides.
Uganda are already assured a spot on the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania. Their participation within the qualifiers is a part of CAF’s course of to find out the extra qualifier from Group H.
The Cranes will now return dwelling to face Libya at Hoima Metropolis Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm EAT.
Libya additionally opened their marketing campaign with a draw, enjoying out a 2-2 stalemate in opposition to Botswana.
Uganda will now look to construct on their hard-earned level in Tunis once they tackle Libya on dwelling soil.
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