Uganda Cranes Keep Slim World Cup Hopes Alive

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group G

Monday Results :
*Uganda 2-0 Somalia
*Guinea 0-0 Algeria
*Mozambique 2-0 Botswana

Table

1. Algeria – 19
2. Uganda – 15
3. Mozambique – 15
4. Guinea – 11
5. Botswana – 9
6. Somalia – 1

Uganda Cranes strengthened their push in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Somalia in Group G on Monday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi were on target as the Cranes secured back-to-back wins at home, keeping their qualification hopes alive.

Okello opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the sixth minute after Aziz Kayondo was fouled, calmly sending the Somali goalkeeper the wrong way.

Uganda doubled their advantage just before halftime when Ssemugabi reacted quickest to slot home a rebound after Steven Mukwala’s header was spilled.

Despite controlling much of the game, Uganda failed to extend their lead after the break in what turned out to be a quiet second half against a Somali side ranked 200th in the FIFA standings.

Coach Paul Put made just one change from the team that thrashed Mozambique 4-0 on Friday, with Toby Sibbick replacing Elvis Bwomono. While the performance was less emphatic, the Belgian tactician will be satisfied with consecutive wins at Namboole.

The result leaves Uganda second in Group G with 15 points, level with Mozambique but four behind leaders Algeria who were held by Guinea.

With two matches remaining — away to Botswana and Algeria — the Cranes still have a slim but alive chance of making it to the global showpiece.

Only the group winners will qualify automatically for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, while the four best runners-up across Africa’s nine groups will earn a place in the playoff round for a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.