Uganda Cranes agonizingly suffered defeat at the hands of Guinea as the two Nations faced off on Friday.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match played at Stade Du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco, the hosts secured a 2-1 win.
Uganda Cranes felt hard done after a remarkable performance, only to concede at the death of the clock.
This was the first game for new Put Paul Joseph who was recently appointed on a two-year deal.
He started Salim Omar Magoola in goal with Kenneth Semakula, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi and Halidi Lwaliwa completing the backline.
Skipper Khalid Aucho started in midfield alongside Bobosi Byaruhanga and Travis Mutyaba.
The front three included Fahad Bayo, Milton Karisa and Rogers Kassim Mato.
Guinea took the lead through Aguibou Camara in the 10th minute.
However, Uganda Cranes remained composed and matched Guinea pound for pound for the biggest part of the game.
At the half hour mark, Fahad Bayo was well positioned to score from close range and level matters.
Mato won a free kick on the left and Byaruhanga was given the responsibility to deliver inside the box.
His good delivery was first met by Lwaliwa’s head, directing the ball into Bayo’s path and the latter made no mistake to fire home.
At the start of the second half, Uganda made two changes introducing Yunus Sentamu and Timothy Awany to replace Milton Karisa and Byaruhanga respectively.
There were further changes with Bayo and Travis Mutyaba replaced by Richard Basangwa and Bright Anukani.
With four minutes added on, Guinea got the winner in the last minute off a free kick by Seydouba Cisse that went straight into the back of the net.
Uganda will return to action on Tuesday against Somalia in the second game of the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Uganda Cranes are in Group G alongside Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, Botswana and Mozambique.
UGANDANS Starting XI
Salim Omar Magoola, Kenneth Semakula, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato
Isima Watenga, Jack Komakech, Timothy Awany, Elvis Bwomono, Rogers Torach, Ibrahim Juma, Ramz Kawooya, William Kizito Luwagga, Yunus Sentamu, Denis Omedi, Bright Anukani, Richard Basangwa
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