After over four years, the Uganda Cranes made a triumphant return to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, by defeating Botswana 1-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier on Friday night.
The match saw a goalless first half, but the second half brought more action as the Botswana team demonstrated impressive passing skills. Despite this, the Uganda Cranes were determined to secure three points in their Group G match, cheered on by over 30,000 enthusiastic fans.
Shaban, who replaced Steven Mukwala, capitalized on a cross from Denis Omedi to score the decisive goal past Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, igniting celebrations among the home supporters at the refurbished stadium. Omedi had earlier come on for Elvis Bwomono.
Following their lead, the Cranes continued to press for more goals, with Rogers Mato and Bobosi Byaruhanga adding attacking flair. Italian-based defender Elio Capradossi, making his debut for Uganda, also impressed with his performance.
“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,” said Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put.
In the other Group G match, Mozambique defeated Somalia 2-1 in Maputo. Alfons Amade and Stanley Ratifo scored first-half goals for the hosts, while Ismail Shirwa netted for Somalia in the 66th minute.
Uganda moved to third place in Group G with 6 points, tied with Algeria and Benin, who have a better goal difference. Uganda will next host 2019 African champions Algeria on June 10th, while Guinea hosts Mozambique in a match to be played in Morocco.
In Group F, two other CECAFA Zone teams, Kenya and Burundi, settled for a 1-1 draw in Lilongwe, Malawi. Both teams have 4 points, but Kenya is ahead in third place due to a better goal difference, behind Gabon and Senegal.
