Uganda Cranes records crucial home victory over Botswana Zebras | FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (Group G): Muhammad Shaban came off the bench to score Uganda Cranes lone strike against the Botswana Zebras during group G of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday evening. Combining with another substitute Denis Omedi, Shaban was quicker to tap home past goalkeeper […] The post Uganda Cranes records crucial home victory over Botswana Zebras | FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (Group G):
- Uganda Cranes 1-0 Botswana Zebras
Muhammad Shaban came off the bench to score Uganda Cranes lone strike against the Botswana Zebras during group G of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday evening.
Combining with another substitute Denis Omedi, Shaban was quicker to tap home past goalkeeper Phoko Goitseone in the 74th minute.
Before the goal, all signs were imminent given the urgency, approach and thirst from every member of the Uganda Cranes team.
On a day that the Uganda Cranes played at their historic cathedral home, the fans lit the occasion with electrifying applause for every move.
Right from the opening stanza, Uganda Cranes bossed the game with the goals only the missing ingrident.
St Mirren roving right back Elvis Bwomono had several goal scoring moments foiled by the goalkeeper Phoko, first in the 11th minute with a net post save and 11 minutes later off a direct shot from 30 yards.
Forward Fahad Azizi Bayo headed inches wide off Allan Okello’s inviting cross from the right flank on the half-hour mark.
Five minutes later, midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda had a shot from 30 yards saved by goalkeeper Phoko.
The visitors had Gilbert Baruti and Kabelo Seakanyeng posing some threat although Uganda’s defence marshalled by the debutant Elio Capredosso remained clean and untamed.
Uganda’s defender Halidi Lwaliwa got cautioned as the first half climaxed.
At the onset of the second stanza, Uganda Cranes’ technical team introduced Rogers Mato for Okello.
Two minutes into the second half, Ssekiganda missed from close range inside the goal area.
The double change for the hosts on 63 minutes witnessed forward Steven Mukwala and right back Elvis Bwomono rested for attacker Shaban and midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga respectively.
Tactically, Ssemakula was drifted to the right back as Byaruhanga featured in central midfield.
With 20 minutes to play, Omedi came on for the industrious Bayo and the impact of this change was felt almost immediately.
Deployed on the right, Omedi outpaced the opponent before a strongly laid ball that Shaban poached onto for the solitary strike well cheered by the fans.
For the remaining minutes, Uganda cautiously defended the lead to attain the maximum points.
This is Uganda Cranes’ second victory of the campaign, after the earlier win over Somalia.
Uganda Cranes now has attained six points from three matches played so far.
On Monday, 10th June 2024, Uganda hosts Algeria at Mandela National Stadium.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda XI: Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (G.K, Captain), Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Halidi Lwaliwa, Elio Capradossi, Kenneth Semakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello, Aziz Fahad Bayo, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Desse Mukwala
Subs: Nafian Alionzi Legason (G.K), Chrispas Kusiima (G.K), Rogers Kassim Mato, Denis Omedi, Ibrahim Kasule, Muhammad Shaban Jagason, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Joel Sserunjogi, Timothy Dennis Awany, Umar Lutalo
Head coach: Joseph Paul Put
Botswana XI: Phoko Goitseone (G.K), Sikele Motsholetsi, Benson Kitso Mangolo, Tebogo Kopelang, Dithokwe Thatayaone (Captain), Mosha Gaolaolwe, Edwin Gape Mohutsiwa, Tumisang Orebonye, Vincent Thabang Sesiyi, Gilbert Baruti, Kabelo Seakanyeng
Subs: Dambe Kabelo (G.K), Motswagole Thabo (G.K), Ramotse Olebogeng, Molaodi Tlhalegang, Sekwai Oarabile, Boy Sagolame, Modingwane Godiraone, Serameng Phenyo, Calvin Gape Thibedi, Majafi Koketso, Bante Thabiso, Casius Obakeng Senono
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Clement Franklin Kpan
- Assistant Referee 1: Prosper Koabenan Adiouman
- Assistant Referee 2: Ettien Eba Medar Wenceslas
- Fourth official: Patrick Vlei Tanguy
- Referees’ Assessor: Hailu Tesfanesh
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