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Uganda Cranes bounced back in style with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night at Mandela National Stadium. Allan Okello’s stunning free-kick in the 34th minute was enough to secure all three points in a crucial Group G clash.
Head coach Paul Put made four changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Mozambique, bringing in goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, and Rogers Mato. With Khalid Aucho and Isima Watenga absent, defender Elio Capradossi wore the captain’s armband.
Uganda started brightly, creating early chances, with Mato coming close in the 16th minute, only to be denied by Guinea’s goalkeeper Sylla. Four minutes later, Mato’s cutback went begging with no one to finish. The Cranes continued pressing, and Muhammad Shaban twice came inches close from an Okello corner and a Kayondo cutback in the 32nd minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 34th minute when Okello curled in a brilliant free-kick just outside the box, sending the home fans into wild celebrations. Guinea’s Camara, who fouled Mutyaba leading to the set-piece, was booked.
In the second half, Uganda made defensive reinforcements, with Timothy Awany replacing Elvis Bwomono at halftime. Calvin Kabuye and Jude Ssemugabi were also introduced as Uganda sought to maintain their lead.
Guinea pushed for an equalizer late on, but Alionzi pulled off a crucial 87th-minute save to deny the visitors. The Cranes’ defence remained resolute, shutting out the Guinean attack and sealing a vital win.
This victory marks Uganda’s third win in the qualifiers and their second at home, moving them to 9 points from 6 games, while Guinea remains on 7 points.
Quotes from the post-match press conference
“We deserved to win, we played well from the first minute and had many chances to score more goals in the first half. I am a proud of the team.”
“We didn’t perform bad in Mozambique but the situations like the simple goals we conceded and and red card cost us generally we didn’t have a bad game especially when we were reduced to ten men. The boys knew what this match meant and I am happy they put up a fight and got the positive results.”
