Uganda Cranes secured a slim victory over Botswana to keep their hopes of at least making it to the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Jude Ssemugabi’s lone goal in the second half proved to be the decisive moment of the game played in Francistown.
With Algeria defeating Somalia 3-0, the direct qualification ticket in Group G was taken by the Desert Foxes, who moved to 22 points with one game to play.
Therefore, Uganda is left to fight for the playoff slots, which will be taken by the top four second-placed teams across all nine groups.
The game marked the return of goalkeeper Denis Onyango from retirement. His last appearance for the national team was on 29th March 2021, against Malawi.
That was the only change coach Paul Put made from the team that had started against Somalia last month.
Uganda enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and indeed dominated proceedings. However, the scoring opportunities came few, far and in between.
The best chance in the first half fell to Rogers Mato, who cut inside and took a powerful shot but the goalkeeper was well stationed to save.
Ssemugabi broke the deadlock, nine minutes into the second half, heading home from Allan Okello’s corner kick delivery.
The win takes Uganda to 18 points and remains second in Group G. And the Cranes now occupy fifth spot in the group of teams that are currently in second spot.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Denis Onyango (GK), Tobby Sibbick, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradosi, Kenneth Semakula, Khalid Aucho (C), Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Mato
Well done our good boys. Congratulations Uganda. Thank you Paul put. Thank you our team.