Outcome
Uganda Cranes reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea on the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole. Allan Okello’s gorgeous first-half free kick proved decisive as Uganda bounced again from a disappointing defeat to Mozambique.
From the opening whistle, the Cranes dictated the tempo, significantly within the attacking third. Left-back Aziz Kayondo was a continuing risk, making two spectacular solo runs and delivering harmful crosses, although striker Muhammad Shaban didn’t capitalize. Rogers Mato additionally got here shut, narrowly lacking one other inviting supply from Kayondo.
The breakthrough lastly arrived within the thirty seventh minute when Travis Mutyaba was fouled simply outdoors the field by Mady Camara. Okello stepped up and curled a chic free kick into the highest left nook, leaving Guinea’s goalkeeper Sylla Soumaila helpless and sending the house crowd into celebration.
Uganda maintained their dominance into halftime, however the second half introduced recent challenges. An early pressured substitution noticed Timothy Awany change the injured Elvis Bwomono at right-back.
Guinea, determined for an equalizer, elevated their attacking depth. Uganda suffered one other setback when Shaban limped off with a knee damage, making means for Calvin Kabuye, who struggled to make an affect.
As Guinea pressed ahead, goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi produced a vital save within the dying minutes to protect Uganda’s lead. The guests additionally appealed for a penalty, however the referee waved away their claims, awarding Uganda a purpose kick as an alternative.
At full time, Okello’s second of brilliance proved sufficient for Uganda to safe all three factors, shifting them to 3rd place in Group G with 9 factors. Regardless of lacking captain Khalid Aucho, the workforce displayed improved cohesion, with Alionzi excelling in purpose after changing the below hearth Ismail Watenga.
