In an international friendly match on Friday at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, the Uganda Cranes suffered a 1-0 defeat against the host team, Mali.

Lassine Sinayoko, a player for the French Ligue 2 club side Auxerre, netted the sole goal of the second half. Sinayoko confidently converted a penalty, sending goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa in the opposite direction.

The Cranes had been resilient in their defense until the 73rd minute when Hudu Mulikyi committed a foul that led to the referee awarding a penalty, marking a pivotal turning point in the match.

However, Mali proved to be the stronger team overall and had earlier struck the post in a game where scoring opportunities were scarce.

This outcome was reminiscent of a previous encounter in November 2021 when Mali defeated the Cranes with a 1-0 scoreline, with Kalifa Coulibaly finding the net at Agadir Stadium in Morocco.

Under the guidance of interim coach Morley Byekwaso, the Cranes will now prepare to face Zambia in Dubai next Tuesday.