Uganda Cranes launched their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualification campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Tunisia on Thursday night, September 24, 2026, earning a valuable point away from home in Group H.
The Cranes came from behind after Tunisia had taken an early lead, with Rogers Mato restoring parity in the second half to reward Uganda’s determined performance at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, Tunis.
Although Uganda are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the Cranes are competing in the qualifiers as CAF determines the additional qualifier from Group H.
Tunisia strike first
Tunisia, playing their first qualifier under head coach Mouine Chaâbani following their recent squad changes, made the brighter start and broke the deadlock in the 12th minute.
Alaa Arous put the Carthage Eagles ahead after being set up by Khalil Ayari, giving the hosts an early advantage in front of their home supporters.
The goal forced Uganda to settle into the contest and look for opportunities to respond, with Paul Put’s charges remaining organised as they tried to prevent Tunisia from extending their lead.
The Cranes went into the interval trailing 1-0.
Tunisia reshuffle, Uganda respond
At the start of the second half, Tunisia made a double change, with Sayfallah Ltaief replacing Khalil Ayari while Sadok Kedida came on for Rayan Elloumi.
Uganda made their first change in the 63rd minute as James Bogere replaced Travis Mutyaba as Paul Put looked to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The change soon paid dividends.
Mato brings Cranes level
Five minutes later, Uganda found the breakthrough they had been searching for.
Rogers Mato struck in the 68th minute to bring the Cranes level at 1-1, with Nathan Asiimwe providing the assist.
Asiimwe, deployed by Paul Put at right-back, showed his attacking quality to create the opening for Mato, who finished to put Uganda back on level terms.
The equaliser changed the complexion of the contest, with Uganda gaining renewed confidence while Tunisia searched for another opening.
Tunisia responded with another double substitution in the 69th minute, bringing on Hamza Rafia for Ismaël Gharbi and Elias Achouri for Sebastian Tounekti.
The hosts made their final change in the 77th minute when Hamza Rafia’s fellow midfielder was followed by another adjustment, with Rafia’s introduction preceding the withdrawal of Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
Cranes hold firm
Uganda also continued to manage their squad and shape as the game entered its final stages.
In the 82nd minute, Put made a double change, introducing Steven Mukwala for goalscorer Rogers Mato, while Allan Oyirwoth replaced Allan Okello.
With Tunisia pushing for a late winner, Uganda made a further tactical substitution in the 90th minute, with defender Hillary Mukundane coming on for Alhassan Baba as the Cranes sought to strengthen their defensive shape.
There was late tension when Tunisia’s Sadok Kedida and Uganda’s Aziz Kayondo were both shown yellow cards in the second minute of added time.
Uganda nevertheless remained disciplined and held on through the closing stages to secure a 1-1 draw.
Valuable point for Uganda
The result gives the Cranes a point from their opening Group H assignment and ends a demanding away fixture against one of the most experienced sides in the group with Uganda having avoided defeat.
For Put and his technical team, the comeback also provided evidence of the team’s resilience after falling behind early in the contest.
The Cranes will now turn their attention to their next Group H fixture, when they return home to face Libya on Tuesday, September 29th.
What next?
Uganda will host Libya at the Hoima City Stadium on September 29th, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm EAT.
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Libya will arrive having drawn 2-2 with Botswana in their opening Group H fixture, while Tunisia will travel to face Botswana in their second assignment of the campaign.
With Uganda already assured of their place at the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 finals as co-hosts, the remaining Group H sides are competing for the additional qualification place available from the group. The 2027 AFCON finals will be staged in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
For the Cranes, however, the immediate task is clear: build on the hard-earned point in Tunis and turn home advantage into another positive result against Libya.
