AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Rogers Mato stuns Tunisia as Uganda fight back for crucial point

Uganda produced a spirited second-half comeback to hold Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in Radès, with Rogers Mato’s superb long-range strike earning the Cranes a valuable point in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Despite already having a guaranteed place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda approached the Group H encounter with plenty to prove against one of Africa’s established football powers.

Head coach Paul Put’s side endured a difficult opening spell at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium but recovered after the break to frustrate the hosts and leave with a result that underlined their growing competitiveness.

Tunisia strike early as Uganda withstand pressure

Tunisia started strongly and quickly established control of the contest, using their possession and movement to force Uganda into a deep defensive shape.

The hosts found the breakthrough in the 12th minute after a well-worked passing move opened space in the Ugandan defence.

A. Arous exploited the gap inside the penalty area and calmly finished past goalkeeper Charles Lukwago to put the Carthage Eagles ahead.

The goal increased Tunisia’s confidence as they continued to dominate possession and attack from wide areas. Their repeated crosses and combinations around the box kept Uganda under sustained pressure.

However, the Cranes refused to collapse.

Their central defenders repeatedly blocked attempts and dealt with Tunisia’s deliveries, limiting the hosts to a one-goal advantage at the interval despite their territorial dominance.

Mato produces moment of brilliance

Put’s half-time adjustments transformed Uganda after the restart.

The visitors adopted a more aggressive approach, pressing higher and disrupting Tunisia’s build-up play while becoming more dangerous during transitions.

That change eventually paid off in the 68th minute.

Following a quick counter-attack, Uganda regained possession outside the danger area before Rogers Mato took responsibility.

The forward unleashed a powerful strike from distance that flew beyond the reach of the Tunisian goalkeeper and into the net.

The equaliser silenced the home crowd and sparked celebrations among the Ugandan players and technical team.

It also shifted the momentum of the contest, with Tunisia suddenly forced to respond to a Uganda side that had grown in confidence.

The hosts pushed forward in search of a winner during the closing stages, creating a frantic final period.

Lukwago helps Cranes hold on

Tunisia committed more players to attack and repeatedly tested Uganda with crosses and intricate combinations around the penalty area.

But the Cranes maintained their defensive discipline and continued to frustrate the hosts.

Lukwago played a key role in protecting the point, producing two important saves late in the match to prevent Tunisia from reclaiming the lead.

Uganda’s resilience ultimately held firm until the final whistle, securing a hard-earned draw away from home.

For Put, the result offers evidence that his side can compete against top opposition even when forced to withstand prolonged pressure.

For Tunisia, however, the dropped points represent a disappointing start to their Group H campaign.

The Carthage Eagles now sit level with Libya and Botswana, increasing the importance of their upcoming fixtures as the battle for the remaining qualification place begins to take shape.