The visiting Niger team has held Uganda Cranes to a 1-1 draw in a Group F match of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 qualifiers played on Wednesday.
Uganda Cranes put a lot of pressure early in the first half at the St. Marys Stadium, Kitende, but Niger defended well.
Khalid Aucho and Fahad Bayo also had their attempts stopped by Niger’s goalkeeper Daouda Kassali. But later Milton Karisa put Uganda ahead netted the first goal for the Uganda Cranes after 43 minutes at the St. Marys Stadium in Kitende.
In the second half, the Niger team led by key striker Victorien Zakari Adebayor and skipper Youssouf Oumarrou pushed forward to try and get the goals, but found the Ugandan defenders up to the task.
After 59 minutes substitute Allan Kyambadde’s shot was parried for a corner by Niger’s goalkeeper. But the Niger team did not give up and scored the equalizer after 71 minutes through Mahamadou Amadou Sabo.
Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic later brought in Allan Okello and Mohamad Shaban for injured Karisa and Bayo. Later Niger later had substitute Razak Seyini carded for a foul on a Ugandan player.
Lukwago, Uganda’s goalkeeper later made a brilliant save towards the end of the match when he punched back Mahamadou Tanja Djibrilla’s shot.
“Just one lapse in defence has denied us the chance to win today. But we shall bounce back,” said Uganda’s coach Sredojevic after the match.
Uganda opened their campaign with a 2-0 away defeat to Algeria and now have one point from two matches.
