Team Uganda, represented by Buddo Secondary School in the Football category, kicked off their campaign in style with an eye-catching 2–1 comeback win over Tunisia on Monday night in Constantine.
L-R Commissioner PE and Sports Rev. Can. Dr. Duncans Mugumya, USSSA President Justus Mugisha, President Emeritus Patrick Okanya, Uganda’s ambassador to Algeria H.E. John Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu celebrate inside stade Hamlaoui after Uganda’s victory.
The match, played under the lights at Stade Hamlaoui, started with Tunisia piling a lot of pressure on the Ugandan defence, where they managed to win a penalty.
Buddo SS shotstopper, Gideon, was equal to the task as he managed to save the shot from the penalty spot in the 3oth minute.
The shine, however, didn’t last as Tunisia capitalised on the chaos in the box to take the lead through Taboubi Ayhem, giving the North Africans a 1–0 lead heading into the break.
But the second half saw a rejuvenated Ugandan side emerge from the dressing room with urgency and purpose.
With several substitutions, Uganda was re-energised and took the game by the scruff of the neck to get in a much-desired situation.
Substitutions
1.Kato rwahim (3) out, Kizito Reagan (17) in, 2. Olara Loy (4) out, Babi Shakul (7) in, 3.Kisambira Abaasa (9) out, Musiitwa Akram (16) in. 4. Jemba Gideon (10) out, Mutagobya Ian (15) in
Captain Barasa Dickson sparked the comeback with a powerful strike in the 53rd minute, leveling the score and reigniting Uganda’s hopes.
Just two minutes later, Mukisa Owen delivered the decisive blow, netting Uganda’s second goal in the 55th minute to complete the turnaround. The team showed resilience and maturity, managing the game well and fending off Tunisia’s late attempts to equalize.
With this crucial victory, Uganda secures all three points and finds itself in a strong position in Group B, which also includes the Ivory Coast. The win places them halfway toward securing a spot in the knockout stages and keeps their medal hopes very much alive.
Coach Richard Malinga praised the team’s character after the match:
“When we conceded the goal, we stayed calm, stuck to our plan, and the boys responded perfectly in the second half. It’s a great start, but we stay focused — Ivory Coast is next.”
Captain Barasa Dickson added:
“We believed in ourselves even when we were down. This win means a lot, but we’re not done yet.”
Uganda returns to action on Wednesday, 31st July, against Ivory Coast at the same venue — a result there could seal progression to the next round.
