The Uganda Cranes have edged past 10 man Somalia by a goal to nil to record their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. KCCA striker Rogers Mato scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute after being assisted by Allan Oyirwoth.
Youngster Travis Mutyaba almost made it two in the 42nd minute but he was denied by the Somali goalkeeper. Both teams went into halftime with the the Cranes leading 1-0.
However, Somalia was reduced to 10 men after A. Mohamed was given his marching orders after being showed a straight red card.
In the 55th minute, Cranes striker, Fahad Bayo almost got a second too. However, he was denied by the Somali defender with a corner kick being awarded.
Umar Lutalo and Bobosi Byaruhanga came on for Allan Oyirwoth and Khalid Aucho in the 60th minute. The Cranes last change came in the 88th minute with Denis Omedi coming for Fahad Bayo.
There wasn’t much that could be changed with the game ending in Joseph Paul Put’s side. Uganda is now in the 4th position behind Algeria who have 6 points.
Botswana follows in second, Guinea in third, Uganda in fourth and Mozambique in fifth. Both have 3 points. Somalia is the only country in Group G without a point.
Furthermore, having failed to qualify for the 2023 AFCON tournament that will take place in January in Ivory Coast, Uganda will be back in action in June next year taking on Botswana.
