Uganda Cranes boosted their quest for a maiden World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win over Somalia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on Monday at Namboole Mandela National Stadium.
Allan Okello settled the home side’s nerves with a fifth-minute penalty, before striker Jude Ssemugabi added a second in the 38th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Somalia failed to clear their lines.
From then on, Uganda controlled proceedings, limiting the Ocean Stars to a few chances and comfortably winning the match.
The result takes Uganda to 15 points in Group G, level with Mozambique, who defeated Botswana 2-0 in Maputo. Algeria still leads the group with 19 points after drawing goalless with Guinea, keeping the race for second place wide open with three games to go.
Uganda will aim to build on this victory as they continue their push for a playoff spot, with Rogers Mato and skipper Khalid Aucho again playing key roles in midfield and attack, even though they didn’t score.
For Somalia, the loss leaves them rooted at the bottom with just one point, extending their winless streak, though they managed to keep the scoreline respectable in the second half.
