Uganda Victory: Cranes Defeat Somalia to Keep 2026 World Cup Dream Alive

Uganda vs Somalia: A Night Under the Namboole Lights

Uganda Cranes added a very important 2-0 victory against Somalia in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Namboole at the Mandela National Stadium, Uganda took a huge step towards qualification and creating some exciting momentum going into the final rounds of the qualifiers.

Early Control: Okello’s Penalty Gets Things Going

The Cranes were quick to take control of the match. In just the fifth minute, Aziz Kayondo was able to slice through Somalia’s defense on the left and was fouled by Abdulle Abdullani during the attack inside the box. The referee had no option but to point to the spot.

Allan Okello calmly stepped up, high confidence, and slotted a shot low to the left of goalkeeper Mohammud Jama, 1-0. Uganda supporters erupted in the stands, and it started to feel like there was more to come.

Ssemugabi Doubles the Score

Uganda’s second goal came from substantial pressure in the 38th minute. Steven Mukwala had rose above the pack to attempt the header from a cross into the box. Jama was again forced to dive to his right to save Mukwala’s attempt. Uganda were not done yet, as the ball broke perfectly into space for Somalia, and Jude Ssemugabi reacted quickest to tap it in.

At 2-0, Uganda were in control. They had the majority of possession, and every Uganda player seemed sharper than their counterparts in the Somalia side, but that score line was never to change for the remainder of the match.

Uganda Victory: Missed Chances That Could’ve Sealed It

While they won the game, Uganda missed several chances that could’ve enhanced their goal difference. Mukwala had a tap-in wide in the second half, and Ssemugabi failed to convert a perfect delivery from Okello.

The finishing left a lot to be desired. Had Uganda been more efficient, the scoreline could’ve easily been 4-0 or 5-0. But, it was encouraging the ability to get into those positions.

Defensive Stability and Key Performers

Defensively, Uganda seemed quite comfortable. Center backs Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita looked confident, winning aerial duels and preventing Somalia from threatening.

Toby Sibbick made his debut at right back and has real potential after his overlapping runs combined with his energy and stamina provided a great outlet down Uganda’s right side.

Aziz Kayondo, besides earning the penalty and assisting with the second goal, was probably one of the best players on the pitch.

Player Ratings Breakdown

• Jamal Salim (6/10) – Good distribution, but questionable on a few aerial balls.
• Toby Sibbick (7/10) – Strong debut. Great positioning and attacking idea.
• Aziz Kayondo (8/10) – Won the penalty and provided the assist for the second goal. Energetic throughout.
• Elio Capradossi (7/10) – Solid with defensive play and almost scored late on.
• Jordan Obita (8/10) – Reliable passing and instrumental in the build-up to the second goal.
• Khalid Aucho (6/10) – Slow to start, much better in the second half.
• Kenneth Ssemakula (6/10) – Only decent, and somewhat less imposing than past performances.
• Allan Okello (7/10) – Composed in the penalty and was effective moving off the ball.
• Rogers Mato (7/10) – Involved in key moments but got the end product wrong.
• Jude Ssemugabi (7.5/10) – Took his goal well and put in a workman’s effort.
• Steven Mukwala (6/10) – Missed moments let him down as his runs were good.

Substitutes:

• Denis Omedi (5/10) – Energetic but lacking precision.
• Reagan Mpande & Joseph Mpande – Not enough time to get into the game.

Group G Standings: The Race Tightens

Following this win, Uganda has amassed a total of 15 points tying Mozambique who also defeated Botswana; Algeria remains atop the group with 19-points having shared the points with Guinea in a 0-0 draw.

What This Win Means for Uganda

Uganda’s aspirations for the coveted 2026 World Cup remain well alive, with two games left to play and the next game being a monumental one against Algeria, every point is needed.

The Cranes appear to be playing with urgency, they are confident and building some chemistry. With players like Sibbick adding to forward depth, and with the consistency of Okello and Kayondo in their minutes, this team could be a “dark horse”.

Fan Reactions and Namboole Atmosphere

The atmosphere was electric in Namboole. The stadium was packed with thousands of football fans, chanting, beating drums, and blowing vuvuzelas all night long.

It wasn’t just a win, it was a moment. A moment in time acknowledging of bringing football home.

Up Next: The Cranes’ Next fixtures

Uganda have two matches remaining in the group, one being a critical one against Algeria, and the Cranes will need to be at their best to secure points.

• Uganda vs Botswana
• Algeria vs Uganda

If Uganda can secure 4 or even 6 points from these matches, then the dreams become realities.

Final Thoughts on Uganda Victory

More than just three points, this win for Uganda against Somalia was in many ways a statement that the Cranes are here to fight and with the right momentum could potentially find themselves in World Cup qualification.