AFCON has given us goals, shocks, and upsets over the years, but on December 30, it delivered something truly special:
Uganda used all three of their goalkeepers in one match.
Yes, Three In one game.
Nigeria eventually won 3–1, but the real headline was the unforgettable goalkeeper drama that turned this group-stage clash into one of the most bizarre moments in AFCON history.
First Goalkeeper: Injured but Determined
Uganda started the match with experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who looked set for a normal night at the office.
Then came the first twist.
Onyango suffered a twisted ankle in the first half. To his credit, he tried to push through the pain and made it to halftime, but his evening ended there.
He was substituted during the break.
Little did anyone know, that was only the first chapter .
Second Goalkeeper: On… and Off 🟥
Salim Jamal Magoola, on a rescue mission for Uganda as a goalkeeper.
Unfortunately for him, his AFCON moment lasted about ten minutes.
In the 56th minute, Victor Osimhen broke free and headed straight for goal. Magoola reacted instinctively, a little too instinctively, and used his hands outside the penalty area to stop the attack.
Osimhen was shocked he didn’t expect Salim to do that, immediately he raised an alarm and the referee didn’t hesitate.
Straight red card, just like that, Magoola’s night was over, Uganda were down to 10 men, and everyone in the stadium needed a moment to process what they’d just seen.
video credit UBC.
Third Goalkeeper: “Wait, Is This Real?”
With no goalkeeper left on the pitch, Uganda had no option but to bring on their third-choice keeper, Nafian Alionzi, sacrificing an outfield player in the process.
At this point, fans were checking the scoreboard, the lineup, and reality itself.
Yes, Uganda were now on their third goalkeeper.
Nigeria had already taken the lead earlier through Paul Onuachu (28′), and once the goalkeeper shuffle began, the Super Eagles calmly took control.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika added two goals in the 62nd and 67th minutes, sealing the result.
Uganda managed a late goal through Rogers Mato (75′), but the night already belonged to football history.
Final score: Nigeria 3–1 Uganda.
Fans React: Serious Takes and Comic Relief 💬
As expected, social media reacted instantly.
Some fans defended the red-carded goalkeeper:
Others were far less forgiving.
And then came the joke.
One Match, Three Goalkeepers, One AFCON Classic
Using three goalkeepers in a single AFCON match is incredibly rare and Uganda managed to do that under 90 minutes.
For Nigeria, it was a composed and clinical performance.
For Uganda, it was a night they’ll want to forget.
For football fans everywhere, it was another reminder that AFCON is football at its most unpredictable. What a way to celebrate the new year for Nigerians.
What’s your take?
Bad luck? Poor decision-making? Or just football being football?
Drop your thoughts below, we don’t give red cards in the comment section.
