Brave Cranes fall to Algeria as late penalties dim World Cup qualification hopes

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Tuesday 14th October, 2025
Algeria 2-1 Uganda

Boukhalfa, Algeria: Uganda’s hopes of making history with a World Cup playoff berth were brutally dashed on Tuesday night after two late penalties handed Algeria a dramatic comeback win, ending the Cranes’ qualification dream.

The Cranes, who needed nothing short of victory to stay in contention for a playoff slot, got off to a flying start when forward Steven Mukwala fired Uganda ahead in the 6th minute, silencing the home crowd to give Paul Put’s men an early belief of pulling off a monumental result against the African giants.

For much of the game, Uganda looked disciplined, organized, and inspired to snatch a win against the ever-attacking Desert Foxes with compact defending and swift counterattacks at the Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou.

Goalkeeper Jamal Salim Magoola had produced a string of fine saves to keep the hosts at bay as the minutes ticked away, but the Cranes’ dream unraveled in the closing stages after referee decisions that left fans fuming.

The first blow came in the 80th minute when Mukwala, the goalscorer, was judged to have brought down Amoura inside the box, a decision that saw the Algerian forward equalize for the home side from the spot.

Moments later, another controversial penalty was awarded after Magoola was deemed to have fouled an Algerian forward in a 50-50 challenge, with Amoura again converting from the spot, a result that sealed victory for the home side, extinguishing Uganda’s World Cup qualification hopes despite a valiant display.

The 2-1 match result means Paul Put’s side are mathematically out of contention, marking yet another painful chapter in Uganda’s long quest for a World Cup appearance. Cranes finish their campaign with 18 points, second in Group G behind table-topping Algeria (25 points).

For the players, it was a heartbreak ending to what had begun as a night of promise. Mukwala, who had been Uganda’s early hero, left the pitch distraught, while fans described the officiating as “harsh and heartbreaking.”

The Cranes now shift focus to rebuilding ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with fans calling for consistency and stronger mental fortitude to handle pressure at the highest level.