Uganda Cranes have once again fallen short, failing to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The national side went down 1-0 to Malawi in the final qualifier match of Group B.
As early as the 24th minute of the game, it was set in stone that Uganda would not qualify for the next year’s tournament that will be hosted by Cameroon.
Emmanuel Okwi, having been fed by Mike Azira from the right, and with just the goalkeeper to beat, was not quick enough off the draw to stroke home an equalizer after Malawi had taken an early lead.
Instead, a Malawian defender put himself between the goal and Okwi , preventing Uganda’s best striker from scoring a much-needed equalizer.
The first real chance of the game fell to Malawi in the sixth minute when Gerald Phiri broke through on goal, but he was denied in a one-on-one with the Dennis Onyango.
Five minutes later Malawi mounted their first real attack when a cross into the box resulted in a goal mouth scramble with the ball falling to Stanely Sanudi , but he fired inches wide from close range.
In the 14th minute the Flames worked themselves into the box with Richard Mbulu finding himself in space the box before rising high to send a hear past Onyango.
The rest of the half was a rather dull affair as the heat took its toll and the teams entered the half time tunnel win the home side leading 1-0.
Ten minutes into the second half Mustafa Kiizatried his luck from long range, but the Falmes keeper Ernest Kakhobwe made another fine save.
That was about as good as it got in the second half until Uganda struck the woodwork in the 82nd minute when a powerful 20-yard shot from Allan Okello rattled the frame of the home side’s goal.
With Malawi leading, Meke Mwase sacrificed Khunda Muyaba for the defence-minded, Dennis Chembwezi , with the hope of closing up shop.
Mwase’s side managed to see off a late charge Cranes and held on to claim maximum points and a qualification to 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
