- 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Uganda 1-0 Guinea
On a night when Mandela National Stadium wasn’t packed to the rafters, Uganda Cranes delivered a performance worthy of a full house, edging past Guinea 1-0 to reignite their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Allan Okello’s moment of brilliance in the 34th minute proved decisive, his sensational free-kick breaking the deadlock and securing three crucial points for Uganda in Group G.
The victory, hard-fought and well-earned, marked a significant turnaround after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Mozambique.
Determined to get back on track, head coach Paul Put made four key changes to his starting XI. Nafian Alionzi was handed the gloves in goal while Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, and Rogers Mato were introduced to inject energy into the team.
With the absence of Khalid Aucho and Isima Watenga, Italy based defender Elio Capradossi wore the captain’s armband.
From the first whistle, Uganda showed urgency, pressing high and dictating the tempo. Rogers Mato, lively from the onset, almost gave the Cranes an early lead in the 16th minute, but Guinea’s goalkeeper Sylla reacted superbly to deny him. Mato was at it again four minutes later, delivering a dangerous cutback that went begging for a finishing touch.
Muhammad Shaban also threatened twice, first from an Okello corner and then from a Kayondo cutback, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
Then came the game changing moment in the 34th minute. After Camara fouled the lively Mutyaba just outside the box, Okello stepped up with confidence.
The stadium held its breath as he curled a stunning free-kick past Sylla, sending the home fans into wild celebrations. It was a goal of pure quality, one that underlined Okello’s class and his importance to Uganda’s ambitions.
Camara’s foul earned him a yellow card, but the real punishment for Guinea was seeing Okello’s masterpiece ripple the net.
With the lead secured, Uganda shifted gears in the second half, introducing defensive reinforcements to protect their advantage.
Timothy Awany replaced Elvis Bwomono at halftime, while Calvin Kabuye and Jude Ssemugabi later came on to provide fresh legs and maintain defensive solidity.
Guinea, desperate for an equalizer, piled on the pressure late in the game. The Cranes, however, stood resolute. Alionzi, making his presence felt between the posts, pulled off a crucial save in the 87th minute to deny Guinea’s last real chance.
With Bevis Mugabi and Capradossi forming a rock-solid defensive pairing, Uganda saw out the game with discipline and determination.
As the final whistle blew, Uganda celebrated a victory that could prove pivotal in their qualification journey.
It was their third win in the campaign and their second at home, lifting them to 9 points from six matches, while Guinea remained on 7 points.
Beyond the result, the performance was encouraging. The chemistry between Okello and Mutyaba in attack, combined with the defensive partnership of Mugabi and Capradossi, showcased a team growing in confidence and cohesion.
