Uganda Cranes brightened their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a 2-0 victory over Somalia in a Group G clash at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday evening.
The win, Uganda’s second in a row following their triumph over Mozambique last week, lifted the mood of fans who turned up in large numbers to cheer the national side.
Vipers SC playmaker Allan Okello opened the scoring early on, calmly converting a fifth-minute penalty after Aziti Kayondo was brought down in the box.
In the 39th minute, Jude Ssemugabi doubled the lead with a neat roof finish, sending the crowd into wild celebrations.
Despite dominating proceedings and creating several clear-cut chances, the Cranes failed to extend their tally a concern voiced by fans who warned that continued wastefulness could cost the team dearly in the final stretch, evoking memories of the so-called “days of mathematics” in past qualifying campaigns.
Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, was full of praise for his players after the result.
“The players have continued to work hard and I am very happy that they scored two goals and defended well. We have two more group games in October and we must remain focused,” he said.
The back-to-back victories have put Uganda firmly in the qualification mix.
Algeria top Group G with 19 points after a goalless draw against Guinea, while Uganda and Mozambique are tied on 15 points, with Uganda ahead on goal difference. Guinea follow in fourth with 11 points, as Botswana and Somalia sit fifth and sixth respectively.
Uganda will travel to face Botswana and Algeria in October in two decisive fixtures that could determine whether the Cranes book an automatic slot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, or battle through the inter-confederation play-offs.
The group’s other key fixture, Algeria Vs Somalia will also play a crucial role in shaping the final standings before Uganda’s last showdown against the Desert Fennecs.
Africa will have nine automatic qualifiers for the tournament, with one additional team advancing through the inter-confederation play-off.
