Mato Rescues Cranes As Uganda Hold Tunisia To 1-1 AFCON Qualifier Draw
Uganda made a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after fighting back to hold hosts Tunisia to a 1-1 draw at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, Tunis.
The Cranes fell behind early but showed character to earn a valuable point in North Africa, with Rogers Mato scoring the second-half equaliser after Nathan Asiimwe created the opening.
Uganda Cranes starting XI against Tunisia Yesterday- Credit To FUFA Media
Tunisia started brightly under new head coach Mouine Chaâbani and took the lead in the 12th minute. Alaa Arous finished after being set up by Khalil Ayari to give the Carthage Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
Uganda were forced to absorb pressure during the opening stages but remained organised as Paul Put’s side looked for a way back into the contest.
The Cranes gradually grew into the match, although Tunisia maintained their advantage going into the break.
Put made his first change in the 63rd minute, introducing James Bogere for Travis Mutyaba in an attempt to add more energy to Uganda’s attack.
James Bogere and Mato Rogers Celebrating credit To FUFA Media
The change quickly paid off.
Five minutes later, Uganda levelled through Mato, who converted in the 68th minute after being teed up by Asiimwe.
Playing at right back, Asiimwe made an important contribution going forward, delivering the assist that allowed Mato to restore parity.
The equaliser lifted Uganda’s confidence and changed the momentum of the game, with the Cranes looking increasingly comfortable while Tunisia searched for a second goal.
The hosts pushed for a late winner, but Uganda remained disciplined to protect the point.
There was late drama in stoppage time when Tunisia’s Sadok Kedida and Uganda’s Aziz Kayondo were both booked in the second minute of added time.
In Action Right Back Nathan Assimwe
Uganda ultimately held firm to secure a hard earned 1-1 draw and leave Tunis with a point.
The result gives the Cranes an encouraging start to their Group H campaign, despite Uganda already being guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda are participating in the qualifiers as CAF determines the additional qualifier from Group H.
The Cranes will now turn their attention to their next assignment when they host Libya in Hoima on September 29, while Tunisia travel to Botswana a day earlier.
Uganda 1-1 Tunisia
Tunisia: Alaa Arous 12′
Uganda: Rogers Mato 68′