Days after a heartbreaking stoppage-time loss against Guinea, the Uganda Cranes return to the field, determined to revitalize their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes. They face Somalia today (Tuesday), aiming to secure a victory after an initial setback in their campaign.
In their previous matches last Friday, both sides faced defeats: Uganda lost 1-2 against Guinea, while Somalia suffered a 1-3 defeat against group favorites Algeria, who currently lead Group G.
Presently, Somalia holds the bottom position in the six-team group, while Uganda stands fifth.
Under the guidance of their new head coach, Paul Put, the Cranes continue their journey in Morocco, where they will compete in their second qualifying match at 4 pm.
Coach Put, making his debut with Uganda, nearly secured a draw in the opening match until Guinea’s Seydouba Cisse struck a teasing freekick goal in stoppage time, resulting in a late winner against the Belgian tactician’s team.
Reflecting on the previous match, Put praised his team’s effort, emphasizing the need for a similar committed performance in today’s crucial encounter.
In the first game at Berkane Municipal Stadium, Guinea initially took the lead with Aguibou Camara’s low strike in the 10th minute. However, Uganda’s Fahad Bayo managed to equalize with an in-box strike from a freekick at the half-hour mark. As the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Cisse’s late goal secured Guinea’s victory.
Kaba Diawara’s Guinea is set to face Botswana today, while Algeria, the top-ranked team in Group G, secured another win against Mozambique on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the qualifiers.
All the teams in Group G are fiercely vying for a spot in the FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Africa has nine slots allocated in the final tournament and one inter-confederation play-off slot.
Each group winner among the six-team groups will qualify directly for the prestigious tournament, intensifying the competition among Uganda, Somalia, and the other teams in Group G for a coveted spot on the global stage.