Tizi Ouzou, Algeria: Uganda’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday night after a 2-1 loss to Algeria in their final Group G qualifier at the Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed.
The Cranes stunned the home crowd with an early lead through Steven Mukwala, who struck in the 6th minute after a slick through ball sliced open the Algerian defence. The Asante Kotoko forward fired a powerful right-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper, giving Uganda a surprise, but much-needed advantage.
Uganda looked sharp and disciplined in the opening half, with defenders Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita holding firm against Algeria’s relentless attacks. Goalkeeper Salim Omar Magoola, starting ahead of veteran Denis Onyango, made several key saves to preserve the lead as Uganda went into halftime 1–0 up.
The Cranes nearly doubled their advantage early in the second half when Jude Ssemugabi found himself clear on goal, but his shot went agonizingly wide—a miss that would later haunt the team.
As the game wore on, the hosts ramped up the pressure and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Mohamed Amoura converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
Uganda’s hopes of a playoff spot were shattered in the dying minutes after conceding another controversial penalty in the 90th minute. Amoura once again stepped up and sent Magoola the wrong way to complete his brace and secure a 2–1 comeback victory for Algeria.
The result leaves Uganda second in Group G with 18 points, behind Algeria’s 25, ending their World Cup qualification journey despite a spirited campaign that showed flashes of progress under coach Paul Put.
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