The Uganda Cranes ended their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign with  1-0 defeat to Mali in Morocco on Sunday. 

Kalifa Coulibaly scored the winner on 19 minutes to ensure Mali progressed to the final stage of qualification and Uganda finished second in Group E.

Mali ended with 16 points from a possible 18, while Uganda finished with nine.

Kenya and Rwanda play on Monday. They have three and one points respectively.

Micho made five changes from the team that drew one-all with Kenya last Thursday.

Isma Watenga replaced Charles Lukwago in goal, with Halid Lwaliwa, Martin Kizza, Allan Okello and Ibrahim Orit all getting starting berths. 

The early exchanges saw Mali hog more possession but with both teams struggling to score.

Ad Mali’s winner was only a result of a rush of adrenaline from Watenga.

Moussa Doumbia’s weighted in a free and Watenga came off his line to almost join his wall.

Coulibaly saw him and headed the ball over the goalkeeper for the lead and eventual winner.

Mali ended their campaign with +11 goal difference against Uganda’s +1.