World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes edge ten-man Somalia for coach Paul Put’s first win
Uganda Cranes strengthened their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Somalia Monday in Kampala.
Uganda Cranes picked their maiden victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after beating Somalia 1-0 at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Morocco on Tuesday.
Rogers Mato’s early goal as enough to not only sink the Somalis but also hand Cranes head coach Paul Put his first win since taking charge less than a month back.
The Cranes made the perfect start when Allan Okello converted a penalty just six minutes into the game. Jude Ssemugabi then doubled the lead in the 39th minute, ensuring that Uganda went into the break firmly in control.
The win was crucial, coming just hours after Mozambique had secured three points earlier in the day. It keeps Uganda level with Mozambique in second place in Group G, behind Algeria, who were held to a goalless draw by Guinea.
Midway through the first half, Uganda nearly made it 2-0, but Oyirwoth struck inches wide from the edge of the box.
With Uganda probing more, Mutyaba almost handed Uganda a second in the 42nd minute, but he shot wide.
Two minutes later, Mato was denied by custodian Mustaf Yuusuf after being presented with a goalkeeper-to-beat opportunity.
At the stroke of half-time, Somalia’s captain, Mohamed Abdi, was sent off for an early shower following a foul that attracted a second yellow card.
Uganda Cranes coach Put praises team after stopping Somalia
The head coach of Uganda Cranes, Paul Put has praised his players after registering a 2-0 win against Somalia in a Group G match of the FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday.
Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi netted first half goals to ensure Uganda collected maximum points in a match played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
“The players have continued to work hard and I am very happy that they scored two goals and defended well. We have two more group games in October and we must remain focused,” said Put.
Uganda Cranes two wins against Mozambique and Somalia in few days has brightened their chances of getting close to FIFA World Cup 2026.
Algeria who drew goalless with Guinea on Monday lead Group G with 19 points, while Uganda are in second place with 15 points. Mozambique in third place also have 15 points, while Guinea have 11 points in 4th place, Botswana and Somalia in fifth and sixth places respectively.
In October Uganda will play two away matches to Botswana and Algeria to decide if they earn direct qualification or qualify for a place to face-off in the inter-confederation play-off for a slot.
But the match between Algeria and Somalia will also be another decider if the Desert Fennecs book a slot before they host Uganda in the last match of the group.
Nine teams from Africa will automatically qualify for the final tournament and one from the inter-confederation play-off slot for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
