Uganda Cranes put up a spirited performance to secure a vital 1-0 win against Botswana on Thursday to strengthen their grip in second place Group G which has seen them edge closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.
The match saw Uganda Cranes dominate possession and create many chances, however they were wasteful until Jude Ssemugabi’s 54th minute header from close range in the second half that sealed the win for the cranes.
Thursday’s win saw the cranes move three points clear of Mozambique, whose defeat to Guinea effectively ended their qualification bid.
The Cranes now need just a draw in their final match against already qualified Algeria to secure a top two finish and a potential spot among the four best runners-up heading into the playoffs.
Algeria sealed qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Somalia, with Mohamed Amoura netting twice and his captain Riyad Mahrez scoring once in the match.
The win saw the Desert Foxes return to the World Cup after a 12 year absence from the global football tournament that is to take place in North America.
In other Group G matches, Mozambique, saw their hopes severely dented with costly home defeat against Guinea.
The Guineans’ success was in vain, however, as they have been eliminated along with Botswana.
Meanwhile Uganda’s match away to Botswana saw the return of the Uganda Cranes Legendary goal keeper Denis Onyango from retirement between the posts ensuring that Uganda kept a clean sheet in the match.
