Uganda Cranes suffered an early exit at the 2022 African Nations Championship after falling to Ivory Coast on Sunday.
In the crunch tie played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, Uganda needed just a draw to secure a slot into the knockout stage for the first time.
However, Ivory Coast who needed victory on the day claimed a 3-1 win to progress.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic made one change from the team that had started against Senegal with Abdu Karim Watambala starting ahead of Marvin Youngman.
Sankara Karamoko and Vignon Ouotro fired Ivory Coast into the lead and the West African side were two goals ahead after 27 minutes.
However, Uganda kept believing and Rogers Mato won a penalty in the 33rd minute which Moses Waiswa to keep the hopes alive.
In the second half, Uganda came all out and had several attempts at goal including Travis Mutyaba’s free kick that hit the upright.
In a bid to throw more numbers upfront the coach also brought on Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Ibrahim Orit and Nelson Ssenkatuka but all in vain.
Aubin Kouame notched a third Ivorian goal twelve minutes from time to put the game beyond reach.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi(GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Abdu Karim Watambala, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato