The Uganda Cranes’ hopes of securing an early advantage in their World Cup qualifying campaign were dashed as they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Algeria at the Mamdela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday, June 10th.
The match started brightly for the home side, with Travis Mutyaba giving the Cranes an early lead in the 9th minute.
However, the Algerians fought back in the second half, with Aouar Houssem equalizing in the 47th minute and Saidi Benrahma scoring the winner in the 59th minute.
Fans interviewed by NBS Sport after the game gave a number of reasons they felt were behind the Cranes’ loss to the Desert Foxes.
One of the fans was left disappointed by the team’s late lapse in composure, which he attributed to the yellow cards shown to key players like Bobosi and Mato in the first half.
“I think we lost composure in the second half. I think Bobosi’s yellow card and Mato were the reasons why we lost composure in the second half. As a defensive midfielder, you can’t work the way you’re supposed to operate when you’re on a yellow card,” the fan said.
Another supporter criticised the decision to play Kenneth Ssemakula, a midfielder, as a right-back, suggesting that this contributed to the goals conceded on that side of the pitch.
“I think playing Semakula, who is a midfielder, as a right-back today led to our loss. That is why if you’re to notice very well, the goals came from his side,” he stated.
Some fans also expressed disappointment with the coach’s late substitutions, arguing that earlier changes could have helped the Cranes regain their composure and potentially secure a result.
“I discredit the coach for the late substitutions made. This time he took long to bring in the substitutions. How I wish he made the substitutions a little bit earlier in the second half,” said another disgruntled fan.
Despite the controversial refereeing decisions, including a denied penalty claim, the fans acknowledged that the defeat is part of the game and vowed to continue supporting the team.
The loss at Uganda’s “football fortress” Namboole Stadium is the first time the Uganda Cranes have lost a World Cup qualifier at the venue since October 2004, when they fell 1-0 to South Africa.
