Uganda Make AFCON History with Red Card and Three Goalkeepers in One Match

Uganda Make AFCON History with Red Card and Three Goalkeepers in One Match

By Niyi Busari 

Uganda exited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic group-stage defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, setting two unwanted records in the process — becoming the first team in the tournament to receive a straight red card and the first to field three goalkeepers in a single match, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The unusual sequence of events unfolded during Tuesday’s final Group C fixture. Uganda captain and first-choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango was forced off with an injury after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to prevent the ball from going out for a corner kick. He was replaced by second-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi.

However, Alionzi’s time on the pitch was short-lived. Minutes after coming on, he was shown a straight red card after rushing out of his penalty area to deny Victor Osimhen a clear goalscoring opportunity. The incident was judged as a foul outside the 18-yard box, prompting referee Djindo Louis of Benin Republic to dismiss the goalkeeper.

With no alternative, Uganda’s technical crew sacrificed an outfield player to introduce their third-choice goalkeeper, marking the first time a team has deployed three different goalkeepers in a single match at the ongoing tournament.

The defeat confirmed Uganda’s elimination from the competition, bringing a challenging AFCON campaign to an end for the Cranes.