Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named his starting lineup for tonight’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, making four changes from the team that lost 3-1 to Mozambique.
Nafian Alionzi has been handed the starting role in goal, replacing Ismail Watenga, who struggled in the previous game, conceding three first-half goals before being substituted at halftime.
Captain Khalid Aucho, who sustained a knock in training on Sunday, has also been ruled out, with Ronald Ssekiganda stepping in to fill the midfield void.
In attack, Travis Mutyaba gets the nod ahead of Jude Ssemugabi, who starts on the bench, while Rogers Mato returns from suspension to replace Denis Omedi, who was sent off against Mozambique.
With Aucho unavailable, Italian-born defender Elio Capradossi takes over the captain’s armband.
Uganda, currently fifth in Group G with six points from five games, is in desperate need of a win to keep its World Cup qualification hopes alive.
A victory would see them move to nine points, overtaking Guinea, who are third with seven points.
The top two teams, Algeria and Mozambique, both have 12 points, making every result in the group crucial.
The return to Namboole is expected to provide a significant boost for the Cranes, who will rely on the home crowd’s energy to push them forward.
Guinea, however, led by star striker Serhou Guirass, have shown strong form in the qualifiers and will pose a serious challenge.
Kickoff is set for 7 PM, with Uganda looking to capitalise on home advantage to turn their campaign around.
