In a highly anticipated return to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the Uganda Cranes marked their comeback with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier on Friday night.
The match, witnessed by a roaring crowd of over 30,000 fans, showcased the Cranes’ resilience and determination as they secured crucial points in their Group G campaign.
The first half of the match saw both teams struggling to find the back of the net, despite creating several opportunities. Botswana displayed commendable ball control and passing, but Uganda’s defense held firm.
The Cranes’ debutant defender, Elio Capradossi, who plays for Lecco in Italy’s Serie C, put in a solid performance alongside Halidi Lwaliwa, ensuring the visitors had limited chances to score.
The turning point came in the second half when Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, made strategic substitutions. Shaban, who replaced Steven Mukwala, capitalized on a precise cross from Denis Omedi, who had come on for Elvis Bwomono.
Shaban’s composed finish past Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Pho
ko sent the home crowd into a frenzy, marking his decisive impact on the game.
With the lead secured, Uganda continued to press for additional goals. The attacking efforts of Rogers Mato and Bobosi Byaruhanga, combined with the defensive stability provided by Capradossi and the midfield shield of Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Ssmekula, ensured that the Cranes maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
Uganda Cranes’ head coach Paul Put expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their confidence and tactical execution. “I am happy that the team played with a lot of confidence and scored to win the match. We need to prepare well ahead of the next match with Algeria on Monday,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of building on this victory for the upcoming fixtures.
This victory places Uganda in third position in Group G with 6 points, level with Algeria and Benin, who have superior goal differences. Mozambique, who defeated Somalia 2-1 in Maputo with first-half goals from Alfons Amade and Stanley Ratifo, also remains in contention. Somalia managed to pull one back through Ismail Shirwa but could not overturn the deficit.
Uganda’s next challenge is a home fixture against the formidable Algerian team on June 10th, a match that promises to be a significant test for the Cranes. Meanwhile, Guinea will face Mozambique in a game scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Uganda’s starting eleven featured a mix of experience and fresh talent. Goalkeeper Isima Watenga, who captained the team, provided leadership from the back. The defensive lineup included Elvis Bwomono on the right, Isaac Muleme on the left, and the central partnership of debutant Elio Capradossi and Halidi Lwaliwa.
In midfield, Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Ssmekula formed a two-man defensive shield, providing protection to the backline and support to the attacking quartet. Steven Desse Mukwala led the line as the main striker, supported by offensive players Fahad Bayo, Travis Mutyaba, and Allan Okello.
The Uganda Cranes’ return to Mandela National Stadium was marked by a memorable victory that energized the fans and boosted the team’s confidence. With the World Cup qualifiers progressing, the Cranes will look to build on this success and aim for more victories to strengthen their position in Group G.
The upcoming match against Algeria will be crucial, and Uganda will need to prepare meticulously to secure a favorable result against the 2019 African champions.
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