Namboole, Kampala: Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put was full of praise for his players after they secured a 2-0 victory over Somalia on Monday night in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
First-half strikes from Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi sealed the win under the floodlights, keeping Uganda second in Group G with 15 points, level with Mozambique and four behind leaders Algeria.
“The players have continued to work hard, and I am very happy that they scored two goals and defended well. We have two more group games in October, and we must remain focused,” Put told journalists in the post-match press conference.
The Belgian tactician highlighted belief and teamwork as key drivers of the Cranes’ momentum. “We managed the game, our formation and chemistry are okay, and we want to make this step together. We know it won’t be easy, we have to face Botswana away and Algeria. We have to believe and be focused,” he said.
Roger Mato, despite missing out on the scoresheet, reechoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the significance of the three points. “We are so happy to get the win, and I am not disappointed at all as long as my team scores. We played with belief, and the support from our fans pushed us. Every point matters now,” he said.
Uganda started strongly, going ahead in the 6th minute when Okello converted from the penalty spot after Aziizi Kayondo was fouled in the box. With just 6 minutes to the break, Ssemugabi doubled the lead with a composed close-range finish from a rebound off Steven Mukwala’s header.
The Cranes controlled proceedings in the second half, frustrating Somalia, who failed to register meaningful chances. The result follows Uganda’s 4-0 win over Mozambique last week, making it back-to-back victories that have reignited their World Cup hopes.
Elsewhere in Group G, Mozambique defeated Botswana 2-0 to stay level with Uganda on points, while Algeria were held to a goalless draw by Guinea but maintained top spot with 19 points.
Uganda will now turn focus to their two decisive away fixtures in October against Botswana (6th) and Algeria (13th), results that will determine whether they qualify directly or face playoffs for the inter-confederation tournament.
Group G Standings (After 8 Matches):
- Algeria – 19 points
- Uganda – 15 points (GD: +5)
- Mozambique – 15 points (GD: -3)
- Guinea – 11 points
- Botswana – 9 points
- Somalia – 1 point
Nine teams from Africa will qualify directly as Group winners for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with one additional team competing in the play-offs.
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