By 
The Uganda Cranes’ Africa Nations Championship knockout stage hopes suffered a huge blow after they were defeated by debutants Togo 2-1 in their second Group C match played at the Stade de Unification in Douala, Cameroon on Friday evening.
Saidi Kyeyune’s thunderous strike was cancelled out Patrick Mbowa’s own goal, while Richard Nane netted the winner for the sparrowhawks.
Having frustratingly drew with Rwanda in their group opener, Cranes head coach Johnathan Mckinstry made four changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Tonny Mawejje, Mohammad Shaban, Ibrahim Orit and Denis Iguma hoping to collect maximum points in their second group match against Togo in order to enlight Uganda’s hope of qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament but all ended on the wrong side again.
The sparrowhawks almost broke the deadlock in the 6th minute through Ismael Agoro’s header but Patrick Mbowa made a last-ditch clearance off the line to deny the Togolese talisman with Charles Lukwago in the Ugandan goal already beaten.
Cranes best goalscoring opportunity in the opening half fell to Ibrahim Orit after a wonderful combination with Bright Anukani but his powerful shot from a few yards from the penalty area went agonizingly above the crossbar.
At the start of the second half, Mckinstry introduced Saidi Kyeyune for veteran midfielder Tom Mawejje trying to add more creativity into his team
In the 47th minute, the sparrowhawks took the game’s lead after Mbowa deflected Abdul Samir’s header into his own goal.
Four minutes on, the Cranes levelled matters after a Kyeyune’s thunderous shot from nearly 40-yards out caught Togolese custodian unware.
Nane restored Togo’s lead in the 57th minute after his powerful shot from outside the box found its way into the top righthand corner of the Cranes goal.
Cranes thought they had levelled matters once again in the 64th minute but Ibrahim attempt into the back of the net was ruled offside.
Togo almost found the third in the 70th minute but Lukwago brilliantly punched away Agoro’s shot for a corner kick.
With today’s defeat, the Cranes now sit bottom of Group C with just a point and will play top-placed Morocco in the last group game.
Morocco and Rwanda played out to a goalless draw in the earlier game to ensure the Atlas Lions stay top of Group C on four points, one ahead of second-placed Togo.
Lineups
Uganda
Charles Lukwago (GK), Denis Iguma, Aziz Kayondo, Mustafa Mujuzi, Paul Mbowa, Shafic Kagimu, Tonny Mawejje (C), Bright Anukani, Ibrahim Orit, Joachim Ojera, Shaban Mohammad.
Togo
Abdoul Moubarak Aigba (GK), Bilal Mousa, Abdoul Sabourh Bode, Messan Toudji, Marouf Tachakei (C), Abdoul Samou Tchatakora, Yendoutie Richard Nene, Ismail Ouro Agoro, Abdoul Halimou Sama, Kokouvi Dodzi Amekoudi, 1Kparo Jarry Ahoro.
