Uganda was eliminated from AFCON 2025 following a chaotic 3-1 loss to Nigeria, a match in which they remarkably used three different goalkeepers due to injury and a red card.
Uganda’s final AFCON group-stage fixture against Nigeria descended into tactical chaos as the Cranes were forced to utilize three different goalkeepers within a frantic 15-minute window.
The turmoil began when veteran starter Denis Onyango was forced off with an injury while trailing 1-0.
He was replaced by Salim Magoola, whose cameo lasted only 12 minutes before he was issued a straight red card for a deliberate handball outside the penalty area.
The dismissal forced Uganda into another emergency substitution, bringing on third-choice keeper Nafian Alionzi at the expense of midfielder Baba Alhassan.
Nigeria exploited the instability immediately, with Raphael Onyedika netting a quick-fire double to extend the lead.
Although Rogers Mato managed a second-half consolation goal for Uganda, the “Cranes look to soar above Super Eagles” hope was extinguished by the unprecedented string of misfortunes between the posts.
The 3-1 victory allowed Nigeria to maintain a perfect record, winning three out of three matches to advance as Group C leaders.
Conversely, the defeat confirmed a bottom-place finish for Uganda, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
While Nigeria prepares for the Round of 16, Uganda departs after a match defined by the statistical rarity of losing two goalkeepers to injury and suspension in a single half.