Allan Okello delivered when it mattered most, scoring a stunning first-half free kick to hand Uganda Cranes a vital 1-0 victory over Guinea in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Tuesday night.
The Vipers SC playmaker, who leads the Uganda Premier League scoring charts with 14 goals, stepped up in the 35th minute and curled a precise effort past Guinea’s goalkeeper Soumaïla Sylla, sending the home crowd into rapturous celebrations.
The result lifts Uganda to third place in Group G with nine points, three behind joint leaders Algeria and Mozambique, who have a game in hand.
Coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss to Mozambique in Egypt last week, Uganda head coach Paul Put made four changes to his starting lineup, which proved decisive.
Nafian Alionzi replaced Ismail Watenga in goal and justified his selection with crucial saves in the closing minutes.
Ronald Ssekiganda, deputising for the injured Khalid Aucho, provided much-needed stability in midfield, while Rogers Mato and Travis Mutyaba added pace to Uganda’s attack.
Italy-born defender Elio Capradossi wore the captain’s armband for the first time and partnered Bevis Mugabi in central defense.
The duo ensured Guinea’s highly-rated striker Serhou Guirassy remained a non-factor throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite creating several chances to extend their lead, Uganda could not find a second goal. Okello came close in the 63rd minute but failed to make clean contact inside the box, while his 65th-minute effort lacked the power to trouble Sylla.
Guinea pushed forward in search of an equaliser late in the game, but Alionzi stood firm, making a decisive save in the 87th minute to preserve Uganda’s lead.
The win keeps Uganda’s World Cup qualification hopes alive as they prepare for their remaining four fixtures.
Meanwhile, Guinea drops to fourth place with seven points, one ahead of Botswana, while Somalia remain rooted at the bottom of the group with one point.
Algeria and Mozambique are set to face off in a top-of-the-table clash tomorrow at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Algeria.
Uganda’s focus in the World Cup qualifiers now turns to hosting Mozambique in September with the dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history still alive.
