The Uganda Cranes bowed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in chaotic fashion Tuesday evening, suffering a 3-1 drubbing by Nigeria after a bizarre encounter that saw the East Africans forced to field three different goalkeepers in a single match.

For regional observers, the dead-rubber clash in Fez, Morocco, served as a stark reminder of the persistent gulf in class between East African hopefuls and the continent’s heavyweights. While the Super Eagles treated the match as a tune-up, the defeat leaves Uganda anchored at the bottom of Group C with a solitary point, watching from the basement as neighbors Tanzania secured a third-place finish with two points.

A Night of Goalkeeping Calamity

The match began with Nigeria asserting dominance early. Paul Onuachu broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, stretching to connect with a precise cross from Dele-Bashiru. However, the true unraveling of the Cranes began at the halftime interval.

Veteran captain and goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, a household name across East Africa, was forced off with an injury, handing the gloves—and the armband—to Magoola Salim. Salim’s tenure between the sticks was disastrously short-lived.

• 46th Minute: Magoola Salim replaces the injured Dennis Onyango.
• 59th Minute: Salim is shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area, leaving Uganda with 10 men.
• 60th Minute: Third-choice custodian Nafian Alionzi is introduced, thrust immediately into the firing line.

Onyedika Punishes the Cranes

With the Cranes’ defense in disarray and a cold goalkeeper in the net, the Super Eagles showed no mercy. Raphael Onyedika became the architect of Uganda’s misery, scoring a quick-fire brace that put the game beyond reach.

Immediately following the red card, Onyedika fired into the top corner after a sharp cutback from Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze. Just five minutes later, the duo combined again, with Onyedika capitalizing on another Chukwueze assist to make it 3-0, effectively ending the contest as a competitive spectacle.

Consolation Amidst the Exit

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Cranes managed a moment of defiance in the closing stages. Rodgers Mato reduced the deficit in the 75th minute, showing composure to lob the ball over Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho after latching onto an Allan Okello through-pass.

The goal, however, was little more than a statistical footnote. The result confirms a disappointing tournament for Uganda, whose inability to secure a win highlights the work required to compete at the elite level. As the Super Eagles march on to the knockout stages, the Cranes return home to regroup, leaving Tanzania as the statistically superior East African side in Group C.