World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put disappointed with refereeing in defeat to Guinea

Uganda Cranes were condemned to a narrow 2-1 defeat by West Africans Guinea in the first qualifier of the ongoing World Cup qualifiers on Friday at the Berkerne Municipal Stadium.

Goals from Adhibou Camara and Seydouba Cisse handed Guinea the win, while Fahad Bayo scored for Uganda.

However, Cisse's free-kick goal came off a massively contentious foul by Bevis Mugabi on Mohamed Bayo.

Uganda's head coach, Paul Put Joseph, has expressed his disappointment with Congo Brazzaville referee Nkounkou Mvoutou Jessie Oved on the decision.

"I think in the second half we were the better team, but this decision of the referee, I cannot understand; he has to give the decision to Uganda, but he gives it to the other side," Put told FUFA.

"I congratulate the players because they worked really hard, fighting, and I think we didn't deserve this (to lose)."

"We played against a good team, but still we managed to play well, very organized, compact, and they did what we've been asking."

"Our players have been fighting and giving everything for the country," the Belgian added.

While the result marked a maiden loss for head coach Paul Put in his first game, the team will be keen on making quick amends on Tuesday against Somalia.

"We are going to analyze Somalia (next game), see how we can manage because it's an important game that we shall try to win."

Uganda now occupies fifth place in a six-team Group G, while Algeria, Mozambique, Guinea, Botswana, and Somalia sit first, second, third, fourth, and sixth, respectively.