Kampala — Comical goalkeeping, shambolic team selection and lack of a fighting spirit combined to condemn the Uganda Cranes to their worst African Nations Cup qualifying defeat in half a decade. Everything seemed to conspire against Laszlo Csaba's side as they fell 1-4 to Benin's Squirrels in Cotonou.

It was as listless a performance as most Cranes followers can recall. Yet, it could have been different. The Cranes were quickly out of the blocks and surprised even themselves by taking a ninth minute lead courtesy of FC Vovjodina striker Eugene Sseppuuya.

That lead evaporated as quickly as it came, with goal keeper Denis Onyango, who had his worst game in national colours, conceding goals from schoolboy errors.First, Razak Omoyotosi powered a shot right over Onyango's head. With the Cranes still reeling from losing their lead so soon, the Super Sport United custodian punched Oumar Tchomogo's free kick into his own net.Half time was 2-1 for Benin.

Stephane Sessegnon's wonderfully struck free kick put paid to any Cranes hopes of a second half recovery. There was still time for one final Onyango howler. he failed to read what appeared like a tame cross, to allow Helsingborg forward Omoyotosi to power home a late header.

In Niamey, Group 3 favourites Angola laid down a marker with a 2-1 victory over Niger. The hosts took a second minute lead through Karim Konate, only for dangerman Flavio Amado to level 27 minutes later. Joao Yamba Asha's second half goal took Angola to six points from two games.