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Algeria topped Group F with a commanding 16 points, while Tanzania secured their place with eight points. The two nations joined Ghana and Angola in sealing their qualification for the 2023 AFCON.
The Uganda Cranes fought valiantly in their quest to secure a spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but ultimately fell agonizingly short of qualification.
The Cranes' journey reached a critical juncture as they faced Niger at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
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Victory was imperative, and they delivered with a resounding 2-0 win, but was not enough to see them return to the continental football bonanza after missing out in 2020.
Uganda will miss out on a second consecutive AFCON final tournament, after coming close, but failing to eventually squeeze into the final 24 teams that will play at the AFCON in Ivory Coast in January-February 2024.
Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s men gave themselves as good enough a chance, taking the lead after 17 minutes, albeit in an unorthodox fashion when AbdulAziz Kayondo's intended cross inexplicably found the back of the net.
The flight of the ball caught the Niger goalkeeper off guard and set the tone for Uganda's dominance.
Their advantage was swiftly doubled as Joseph Ochaya applied the finishing touch to Milton Karisa's low shot from inside the box as Uganda's proficiency from set-piece situations paid dividends once again.
Despite Niger's attempts to regain control, the Cranes stood resolute, pressing aggressively and denying their opponents clear opportunities.
The halftime break arrived with Uganda leading comfortably, but their fate was intertwined with events transpiring in Algiers, where Tanzania faced off against Algeria.
The second half, however, brought limited action, with neither team significantly threatening the goal. Uganda held firm, fully aware of the magnitude of their task.
As the final whistle blew, Uganda had triumphed 2-0 over Niger, a result that would typically warrant celebration.
Yet, the Cranes could only watch anxiously as events in Algiers unfolded. Their fate hung in the balance.
Unfortunately, despite their spirited performance, it was not to be. Tanzania held Algeria to a goalless draw, securing the second qualifying spot in Group F.
Uganda's hopes were dashed, and they finished third in the group with seven points from six games.
Algeria topped Group F with a commanding 16 points, while Tanzania secured their place with eight points. The two nations joined Ghana and Angola in sealing their qualification for the 2023 AFCON.
The Cranes will now attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time and they were drawn in Group G where they face Algeria, Guinea, Mozambique, Botswana, and Somalia.
The Cranes will open their campaign later this year with two away fixtures against Guinea and Somalia, slated between November 13th and 21st.
How they lined up
Starting XI: Salim Magoola (GK), Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho (C), Bobosi Byaruhanga, Milton Karisa, Faruku Miya, Fahad Bayo, Joseph Ochaya
Subs: Isima Watenga (CK), Nafian Allonzi (CK), Musa Ramathan, Richard Basangwa, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Isaac Muleme, Laban Tibiita, Taddeo Lwango, Ibrahim Kasule, Frank Ssebufu
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