The Uganda Cranes have been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco following a 3–1 defeat to Nigeria, a result that sealed their exit from the tournament at the group stage.
Uganda finished the match with 10 players after goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola was sent off in the 56th minute following a foul that was judged to deny Nigeria a clear scoring opportunity.
Earlier in the game, first-choice goalkeeper Dennis Masinde Onyango was forced off after falling ill and did not return for the second half. His withdrawal forced the Cranes into an early reshuffle in goal. After Magoola’s red card, Uganda introduced Alionzi Nafian as the replacement goalkeeper.
Despite battling hard, Uganda struggled for possession, managing just 21 percent, compared to Nigeria’s 71 percent dominance.
Rogers Mato scored Uganda’s only goal of the match in the 75th minute, but it was not enough to prevent defeat as Nigeria maintained control and went on to secure victory.
Match statistics showed Nigeria registered 17 total attempts, with six shots on target, underlining their dominance in the contest.
Uganda’s elimination was confirmed after collecting only one point from three matches, having earlier drawn 1–1 with Tanzania and lost 3–1 to Tunisia.
In Group C, Nigeria finished top with nine points, followed by Tunisia with four points, while Tanzania placed third with two points. Uganda finished bottom of the group.
It was also a difficult outing for several Ugandan players : Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Reagan Mpande, Hilary Mukundane, Isaac Muleme, Ronald Ssekiganda and Shafiq Kwikiriza Nana , who saw little or no game time before the Cranes’ exit from the tournament.