Uganda Cranes beat Guinea 1-0 to go third as 2026 World Cup dreams come alive

Namboole, (UG):- Uganda Cranes Tuesday revived their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a crucial 1-0 victory over western Afruca side Guinea at Mandela National Stadium.

A stunning first-half free-kick from Viper SC’s Allan Okello proved decisive, as Uganda leapfrogged the visitors to third place in Group G with 9 points after six matches.

Okello broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a beautifully struck free-kick after Uganda won a foul just outside the box. His precise effort left the Guinean goalkeeper rooted to the spot, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.

Despite Guinea dominating possession in the second half, they failed to create clear-cut chances with their only real threat coming in the final 10 minutes when Nafian Alionzi produced an outstanding close-range save to deny them an equalizer.

Uganda’s defense, led by captain Elio Capradossi and Bevis Mugabi, remained disciplined and resolute to hold onto the lead until full-time.

Coach Paul Put’s tactical changes, including dropping goalkeeper Isima Watenga to the bench and bringing in Alionzi, paid off as Uganda registered their first clean sheet of the campaign.

With this victory, Uganda climbs to third in the group, reigniting hopes of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup. The Cranes will now shift focus to their next qualifier in September, determined to build on this momentum and continue their journey towards a historic World Cup berth.

Cranes Starting XI

Nafian Alionzi (GK), Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi (C), Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Muhammad Shaban, Rogers Mato

Substitutes:
Mutakubwa Joel, Isima Watenga, Awany Timothy, Rogers Torach, Isaac Muleme, Sibbick Toby, Jude Ssemugabi, Hakim Kiwanuka, Ssebagala Enock, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Steven Mukwala, Calvin Kabuye

Guinea Starting XI: Soumaila Sylla, Isiaga Sylla, Diakhaby Mouctar, Mohamed Camara, Ali Camara, Abdoulaye Toure, Mady Camara, Seydouba Cisse, Serhou Guirassy, Francois Kamano, Aliou Balde