Uganda were unable to make the most of their advantage and lost 2-1 to Algeria in their CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier match at the Mandela National Stadium on Monday evening.

The Cranes drew first blood in the fixture through Travis Mutyaba as they made the most of an attacking manoeuvre in the first 10 minutes. They dominated the beginning stages of the first half and seemed to be hopeful as they went into the half-time break a goal ahead.

As soon as the second half began, the Desert Foxes were looking for the equaliser and they grabbed it almost immediately in the 46th minute as Houssem Aouar came to the rescue as his attempt at goal was successful.

Uganda still seemed to be in control of their shape on the pitch however they were outsmarted as Said Benrahma made it two goals for Algeria. From that moment, the Foxes continued to keep most of the possession and control the game.

The remainder of the match was a challenging one for both sides, however Algeria held on and collected all three points.

The North African nation remains first on the Group G standings with nine points as the nations behind them including Uganda have six points, with the exception of last placed Somalia who have none.

Uganda: I. Watenga, K. Semakula, H. Lwaliwa (T. Timothy 62’), E. Capradossi, I. Muleme, B. Byaruhanga (P. Kakande 88’), R. Ssekiganda, S. Mukwala (D. Omedi 57’), T. Mutyaba (I. Kasule 88’), R. Mato

Algeria: A. Mandrea, R. Ait-Nouri, M. Madani, A. Mandi, Y. Attal, H. Aouar (A. Kendouci 85’), N. Bentaleb (R. Zerrouki 74), I. Bennacer (Z. Belaid 85’), S. Benrahma (Y. Benzia 69’), B. Bounedjah (M. Bakrar 69’), M. Amoura

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com