Uganda Cranes edge Somalia to stay in contention for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Group G)

• Uganda Cranes 2-0 Somalia
• Guinea 0-0 Algeria
• Mozambique 2-0 Botswana

Uganda Cranes smiled past fellow CECAFA member Somalia 2-0 in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday night.

Two first-half goals from talisman Allan Okello (Penalty) and forward Jude Ssemugabi earned the wasteful home side yet another victory in the ongoing campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup road map in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).

Despite a total dominance of the game with good possession play, the scoreline will never tell the full story.

A brave start witnessed Uganda Cranes take the lead when Okello struck home the opener, a well-executed penalty as early as the fifth minute.

The penalty was awarded by Cote d’Ivoire referee Ibrahim Traore Kalilou after defender Abdulle Abdullani brought down the roving left back Abdul Azizi Kayondo in the forbidden area.

Okello confidently held the ball and placed it to the left of goalkeeper Mohammud Jama who dived the opposite way for the opener.

At this stage, Cranes seemed to be a team on a mission, much to the deafening wild cheers from the stands.

Ssemugabi tapped home the second in the 38th minute when goalkeeper Jama spilt the ball in his path after a powerful header from Steven Desse Mukwala off Kayondo’s inviting ball from the left.

It would have easily been a cricket-like score but suspect finishing from Mukwala and Ssemugabi denied more goals.

There are plenty of lessons to reflect on as we come to the final bend of the campaign.

A home debut for Burton Albion right back Toby Peter Sibbick, the continued dream central defensive partnership of Elio Capradossi and John Jordan Obita as well as Okello’s continued positive display are positives.

Uganda now has 15 points, the same as Mozambique who beat Botswana in Maputo earlier in the day.

Algeria, who were held to a goalless draw by Guinea in Morocco, maintain their summit spot with 19 points.