Preview: Uganda vs Guinea – 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers

Tuesday March 25, 2025

• Mandela National stadium, Namboole 7pm

After faltering in their respective match day five fixtures, Uganda and Guinea lock horns aiming to put their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign on track.

The Uganda Cranes were beaten 3-1 by Mozambique in Cairo while against all odds, Syli Nationale of Guinea fired blanks in the goalless draw with lowly ranked Somalia in Abidjan.

Guinea on 7 points are 3^rd, five points behind both Algeria and Mozambique on 12 who occupy first and second place respectively in group G.

On the other hand, Uganda is a point behind with six, second from the bottom with only Somalia on a single point below them.

With that in mind, the Namboole duel is a must win for either if they are to keep the leaders in sight.

Head-to-Head

• This will be the 7^th overall meeting between Uganda and Guinea with the West Africans in charge with 4 wins. [L1, D1]
• Three of Guinea’s four wins have come in the World Cup qualifiers including the reverse fixture in this campaign which ended 2-1 in favour of the West Africans.
• However, Uganda is unbeaten on home soil against Guinea [W1, D1]
• Uganda has kept one clean sheet in the past six meetings – that was a 2-0 victory in 2014 when current Cranes manager Geoffrey Massa scored a brace at Namboole.

Team News

Denis Omedi is suspended after he was sent off for a second bookable offence in the defeat to Mozambique.

Team captain Khalid Aucho is doubtful after reportedly getting injured while in training and may need to pass a late fitness test.

Rogers Mato returns to the available squad for selection after serving a one match ban for accumulated bookings.

In the Guinea camp, there are no reports of any injuries or suspension save for the omissions of Naby Keita and Bayo who were not included in the squad for the two matches.

How will Uganda Cranes line up?

Despite a horrible first show in Cairo, Ismail Watenga is poised to retain his spot between the posts although Alionzi Nafian who kept a second half clean sheet is waiting for his chance.

The right back could have a change with either Gavin Kizito, Kenneth Ssemakula or even Bevis Mugabi replacing Elvis Bwomono while Aziz Kayondo is primed to keep his place at left back.

Wigan Athletic defender Tobby Sibbick could be called up to Elio Capradossi at the heart of defence but Timothy Awany is another strong candidate.

In case Aucho misses out, Ssemakula may continue to anchor the midfield along with Ronald Ssekiganda with Allan Okello maintaining his spot in the number 10 role behind Shaban.

Returning Rogers Mato on the left and Jude Ssemugabi on the right side of attack completes the attack.

 Uganda Cranes Probable XI

Watenga (GK) ©, Sibbick, Capradossi, Mugabi, Kayondo, Ssekiganda, Ssemakula, Okello, Mato, Shaban, Ssemugabi

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