FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Botswana Vs Uganda – 7 pm
Uganda Cranes’ 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes hang in the balance as they face Botswana this Thursday evening at the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
The Group G clash, kicking off at 7 p.m., could define Uganda’s path to the next round.
The Cranes sit second in the group with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria, who remain favorites for the automatic qualification spot. Mozambique trail Uganda only on goal difference, adding pressure on coach Paul Put’s side to deliver.
“We’re here to win, especially for our fans back home,” said head coach Paul Put. His team will need victory and some help from results elsewhere to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, buoyed by back-to-back clean sheets, believes the Cranes can get the job done.
“We’re motivated by our recent performances and capable of winning away. We just need to neutralize the Zebras’ threat,” he said.
Uganda’s path to the top spot remains slim. They can only overtake Algeria if the Desert Foxes drop points in either of their last two matches, including the final-day meeting with Uganda.
More realistically, the Cranes are chasing one of four best runners-up slots across all groups to reach the inter-confederation playoffs.
Currently, Uganda rank seventh among second-placed teams with 15 points and a +5 goal difference, behind Gabon, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon, all of whom have played one game more. That makes Thursday’s clash, and the final match against Algeria, absolutely crucial.
Back home, fans will also be watching Maputo closely, where Mozambique host Guinea. The Mambas have won three straight since November 2023, and their result could significantly affect Uganda’s chances.
Uganda hold a strong record against Botswana, winning their last three meetings, including a 2–1 victory in Francistown during the 2017 AFCON qualifiers, thanks to goals from Luwagga Kizito and Khalid Aucho.
