Uganda Cranes were in front of Algeria at half time by 1-0 thanks to a goal from Mutyaba Travis in the 10th minute of the game.
However, Uganda Cranes surrendered the half time lead to lose 2-1 to Algeria. This was a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, it was played at the Mandela National Stadium.
Uganda Cranes supporters we given hope in the 10th minute of the game after Mutyaba Travis picked up a loose ball in the Algeria penalty area and scored with a left footed shot to make the score 1-0 in favour of the Uganda Cranes.
Algeria dominated the possession in the first half but the Cranes we disciplined enough both in the midfield and defence to keep them out for the whole first half.
Uganda's attacking strategy was actually effective. Rogers Mato, who was operating on the left wing, displayed some amazing performances which forced the Algerian goalkeeper, Anthony Mandrea, into making two fine saves.
Westham United's Said Benrahma provided Algeria with their first shot on target after his shot hit the post and the rebound was collected by the Uganda goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
Having defeated Botswana on Friday and going into the half time break with the lead, Uganda Cranes supporters were expecting to win this match also. Unfortunately, with less than a minute into the second half, Housem Aouar equalised for Algeria after an error by the Uganda Cranes defence.
Twelve minutes later, Westham United's Said Benrahma scored for Algeria to make the score 2-1 in the 57th minute.
Uganda Cranes head coach, Paul Put, made several substitutions in search of an equaliser but they couldn't find the back of the net. Muhammad Shaban replaced Fahad Bayo, Denis Omedi replaced Steven Mukwala, Dennis Awany replaced Halidi Lwaliwa, Ibrahim Kasule replaced Mutyaba Travis and Patrick Kakande replaced Bobosi Byaruhanga.
Due to the defeat, Uganda are now in fifth place with six points and Algeria now leads the group with nine points.
This was Uganda's first defeat at the Mandela National stadium since 2014 when they lost 1-0 to Togo in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Uganda line up against Algeria; Isima Watenga, Kenneth Semakula, Isaac Muleme, Halidi Lwaliwa, Elio Capradossi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Rogers Mato, Fahad Bayo, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala.
Algeria line up against Uganda; Andrea, Mandi, Madani, Ait Nouri, Atal, Bennacer, Bentaleb, Aouar, Benrhama, Bounedjah, Amoura.
End result; Uganda 1-2 Algeria
