Overview:
With Mozambique and Guinea locking horns in the other fixture, everyone rooting for Uganda will undoubtedly keep an eye on the action in Maputo, where Mozambique have won three consecutive games in the series since losing to Algeria in November 2023.
Thursday October 9, 2025
- Obedi Itani Chilume stadium 7pm
Uganda Cranes 2026 World Cup qualifying chances face Botswana challenge at the Obedi Itani Chilume stadium on Thursday on match day nine.
The visitors head into the game second on the group G table with 15 points, four adrift of leaders Algeria who are favourites to take top spot and earn direct spot.
With Mozambique, same points with the Cranes just below on goal difference, Paul Put’s men have challenges even elsewhere.
The Cranes could still mathematically overtake Algeria in case they falter vs Somalia and then lose to Uganda in the final match but they must at least match Mozambique’s results in the final two rounds and hope Guinea do not secure maximum points in that period to secure a possible second-round place to compete for Africa’s slot at the inter-confederation playoffs.
“We are to here to try and win especially for our fans back home,” said Paul Put.
For Denis Onyango, winning in Botswana is possible but the cranes must neutralize the Zebras threat, who still have faint hopes of securing place but it is totally out of their hands.
“The team is motivated by the last two matches in which we kept two clean sheets and we are capable of winning away,” stated Onyango.
Cranes chances and permutations
Mathematically, Uganda Cranes can still overtake group G leaders Algeria but only if the Desert Foxes don’t win any of their two matches.
With Mozambique and Guinea locking horns in the other fixture, everyone rooting for Uganda will undoubtedly keep an eye on the action in Maputo, where Mozambique have won three consecutive games in the series since losing to Algeria in November 2023.
Fight for second position (Four-best ranked second positioned)
As it stands, though, Uganda are 7th amongst the top four runners-up with 15 points and a goal difference of (+5).
Gabon (19 pts), Madagascar (19pts), Burkina Faso (18 pts) and Cameroon (18 pts) in the top four positions having played a game more than Uganda save for Gabon.
The competitiveness to secure the coveted runners-up spots emphasizes the importance of claiming maximum points in their final two games against Botswana and an uphill challenge against Algeria on the last matchday.
Key Stats
- Uganda has won the last three meetings against Botswana scoring 5 goals and conceding just once (W3)
- The Cranes won the last encounter in Botswana 2-1 in the 2017 Afcon qualifiers – Luwagga Kizito and Aucho Khalid scoring the goals.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI
Salim (GK), Obita, Capradossi, Sibbick, Kayondo, Aucho ©, Ssemakula, Okello, Ssemugabi, Mukwala, Mato
