Uganda Cricket Cranes fell one run short against hosts Nigeria in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C final at NCF Oval 1 on Sunday.
Nigeria defended 148 all out to win by the narrowest margin and finish the tournament unbeaten with five victories from five matches.
Uganda finished second on eight points after winning four of their five games but both sides had already secured qualification for next year's Africa Regional Final.
Joseph Baguma produced a superb spell of 4/21 in four overs to restrict Nigeria to 148 all out in 19.4 overs.
Baguma struck twice in his opening over removing Selim Salau for 30 and Isaac Okpe for six before dismissing top scorer Isaac Danladi for 47 off 28 balls and Miracle Akhigbe for a duck.
Juma Miyagi chipped in with 2/17 while Alpesh Ramjani and Enock Kasaija claimed a wicket each as Uganda repeatedly checked Nigeria's progress.
Danladi's innings which included three fours and four sixes proved decisive as Ali Rahmon added 35 off 23 balls to keep the hosts competitive.
Uganda's fielding offered Nigeria relief through missed opportunities and misfields that proved costly in a match decided by the narrowest of margins.
The chase began badly with Raghav Dhawan and Robinson Obuya dismissed early to leave Uganda under pressure.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah then launched a spirited counterattack smashing 60 off 36 balls including three fours and five sixes.
Gerald Olipa contributed 18 off 22 deliveries in a supporting role as the pair rebuilt the innings before Olipa fell at 99/3.
Riazat continued to attack but Sylvester Okpe bowled the skipper at 108/4 leaving Uganda's lower order with a demanding finish.
Alpesh Ramjani struck 20 off 18 balls to keep the chase alive but Nigeria continued to take wickets at crucial moments.
Uganda slipped to 145/8 before Juma Miyagi was run out off the final delivery leaving the Cricket Cranes stranded on 147/9.
Nigeria's Isaac Danladi was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 47.
Uganda Cricket Cranes bowling figures
- Joseph Baguma: 4/21 (4 overs)
- Juma Miyagi: 2/17
- Alpesh Ramjani: 1 wicket
- Enock Kasaija: 1 wicket
- Kenneth Waiswa: 1 wicket
Key batting performances
- Riazat Ali Shah (Uganda): 60 off 36 balls
- Isaac Danladi (Nigeria): 47 off 28 balls (Player of the Match)
- Alpesh Ramjani (Uganda): 20 off 18 balls
- Gerald Olipa (Uganda): 18 off 22 balls
- Ali Rahmon (Nigeria): 35 off 23 balls
- Selim Salau (Nigeria): 30
Tournament standings
- Nigeria: 10 points (5 wins from 5) - Champions
- Uganda: 8 points (4 wins from 5) - Runners-up
- Both teams qualify for Africa Regional Final
Source: Uganda Cricket
