The Uganda Cranes have kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive after grinding out a crucial 1-0 victory away to Botswana on Thursday evening.
Jude Ssemugabi was the hero of the night, rising highest in the 55th minute to head home Allan Okello’s perfectly delivered corner.
Ssemugabi’s second of the qualifying campaign, proved enough to seal all three points for Paul Joseph Put’s men.
Okello Orchestrates Once Again
Allan Okello continued to underline his importance to the Cranes setup with yet another outstanding display.
The attacking midfielder’s assist for Ssemugabi’s header was his fourth of the qualifiers, adding to three goals he has already scored, taking his total goal involvements to seven in nine matches.
His creativity and vision were at the heart of Uganda’s best attacking moments, linking play and providing much-needed composure in the final third.
Cranes Impress on the Road
Despite the narrow scoreline, Uganda looked the better side for large spells and created several chances to extend their lead.
Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, and Toby Sibbick all came close, but the hosts were spared further damage by some last-ditch defending and smart goalkeeping.
Coach Paul Joseph Put will be pleased with his team’s control and resilience, especially away from home in a tricky fixture.
Eyes on Algeria Showdown
The result lifts Uganda to 18 points, tightening their grip on second place in Group G ahead of the final qualifying fixture against Algeria.
The Desert Warriors, who top the group with 22 points, have already secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but Tuesday’s clash in Algiers remains massive for the Cranes.
A win could see Uganda climb into the play-off places, depending on results elsewhere.
Qualification Picture
Under the new African qualification format, nine group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup.
The four best runners-up across all groups will enter the CAF play-offs, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs for a potential World Cup spot.
Uganda currently sits fifth in the runners-up ranking, meaning the final game against Algeria could define their destiny.
A Nation Daring to Dream
With one game to go, Uganda’s World Cup dream remains very much alive.
The Cranes have shown grit, belief, and progress throughout this campaign, and as the final whistle approaches on Tuesday night, an entire nation will be holding its breath, daring to believe that history could be made.
