Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has praised his team for their fighting spirit in their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers clash against Guinea.

In the match played at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, Uganda secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, courtesy of a brilliant free-kick by Allan Okello.

After suffering a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Mozambique, the Cranes desperately needed a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

“I am happy with my players. They have been performing well in training, and I’m glad they replicated that in the game,” Put said.

“We played a very good game. The boys fought for the team but also played quality football. We created many chances, and I am so proud of them,” he added.

This crucial victory keeps Uganda in fourth place on the table with nine points from six games.

The Cranes will return to action on Wednesday, September 3, when they face Mozambique, followed by a clash against Somalia. Both games will be played at Namboole.

• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Result
• Uganda 1-0 Guinea

Uganda Cranes secured a 1-0 victory against Guinea in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Tuesday night.

Allan Okello scored the all-important goal as the Cranes picked the maximum number of points on the day.

It was a slow start as both struggled to find the rhythm in the game.

Travis Mutyaba and Allan Okello combined to release on-running Rogers Mato, but he was denied from close range by goalkeeper Soumalia Sylla in the 15th minute.

Three minutes later, Seydouba Cisse’s effort went inches above the frame as the visitors searched for their maiden attempt on goal.

Elvis Bwomono was late at the back post to guide home Rogers Mato’s teasing delivery in front of goal in the 30th minute.

Okello broke the deadlock with a spectacular free kick to send the crowd into chants and full voice in the 35th minute.

The free kick was awarded to Uganda after Mady Camara fouled Mutyaba steps away from the dangerous area.

Coming from the dressing rooms, Uganda Cranes made a change, bringing on Timothy Awany for injured Bwomono.

In the 59th minute, Uganda suffered a big blow after Muhammed Shaban was replaced by Calvin Kabuye due to injury.

Bevis Mugabi made a big block in the 77th minute to deny Yaldy Diaby who had penetrated Uganda’s box.

Nafian Alionzi made a big save to deny Yadaly Guirassy from point-blank range in the 88th minute.

The victory takes Uganda to nine points, third in the group with nine points from six games played.

• HT: Uganda 1-0 Guinea

Uganda heads into the break with a 1-0 lead over Guinea in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm.

However, Uganda picked up the tempo after five minutes, with most of the action unfolding on the right flank, where Travis Mutyaba and Allan Okello combined effectively.

In the 15th minute, Mutyaba and Okello linked up to set up Rogers Mato, but his close-range effort was denied by goalkeeper Soumalia Sylla.

Just three minutes later, Guinea had their first real chance when Seydouba Cissé’s strike narrowly missed the target.

Uganda came close again in the 30th minute when Elvis Bwomono arrived late at the back post but couldn’t convert Rogers Mato’s teasing delivery.

The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute. Okello stepped up and delivered a spectacular free kick, sending the crowd into wild celebrations.

The set-piece was awarded after Mady Camara fouled Mutyaba just outside the penalty area.

Uganda takes a well-earned lead into the second half, with Guinea needing to respond to keep their hopes alive.

Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put has named an attack-minded team to take on Guinea this evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba and Rogers Mato start in attacking positions just behind Muhammad Shaban, who leads the line.

Nafian Alionzi starts in goal ahead of Isma Watenga, who had a poor show against Mozambique.

The backline of Elvis Bwomono, Azizi Kayondo, skipper of the day Ellio Capradossi and Bevis Mugabi is maintained.

SC Villa captain Ronald Ssekiganda replaces injured captain Khalid Aucho in midfield as Kenneth Ssemaukula keeps his place in the middle of the park.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Result

• Uganda vs Guinea – 7 PM

The Uganda Cranes will take on Guinea in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

After suffering a 3-1 defeat to Mozambique in their previous game, Uganda will be eager to return to winning ways.

Speaking ahead of the match, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put expressed confidence in his team’s readiness.

“The response from the team has been fantastic. After the Mozambique game, I thought it would take time to rebuild their confidence, but they have shown great character,” he said.

“Playing at home gives us an extra boost. The players understand the importance of this match, and we are prepared to give everything on the pitch,” he added.

With the support of a passionate home crowd at Namboole, Uganda will have the “12th player” advantage as they face Guinea.

Team News

Uganda will be without Denis Omedi, who is suspended after receiving a second booking in the loss to Mozambique.

Additionally, Khalid Aucho remains a doubt after picking up a knock during training ahead of the clash.

FUFA Women Super League | Result

• Wakiso Hill 3-0 Kampala Queens

Kampala Queens secured a well-deserved 3-0 victory against Wakiso Hill in the FUFA Women’s Super League at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Halimah Kasuubo was the hero of the first half after making several saves as the visitors kept knocking on the door.

Peace Muduwa broke the deadlock in the 71st minute to place Kampala Queens in the driving seat.

Cathy Nagadya doubled the visitors’ lead with a well-struck effort in the 79th minute of the game.

Zaina Nandede put the icing on the cake with yet another stunning strike to seal the visitors’ victory on the day.

After the victory, Kampala Queens remain on top of the log with 37 points while Wakiso Hill is bottom with five points.

Former Uganda Cranes captain and goalkeeper Denis Onyango has encouraged Ismail Watenga to keep his head high following Uganda’s 3-1 loss to Mozambique in Cairo, Egypt.

Watenga struggled in the match, conceding three goals in the first half before being substituted for Nafian Alionzi in the second stanza.

In a message shared on his official social media platforms, Onyango reminded Watenga that even the greatest goalkeepers make mistakes, but what truly matters is not letting those mistakes define them.

“Mistakes happen, Watenga. Even the best goalkeepers in the world have made massive mistakes. The difference is that they don’t let those mistakes define them,” Onyango wrote.

“As a goalkeeper, you live under a microscope—I can tell you that. One mistake, and all eyes are on you. But listen carefully: the mistake is not what matters; it’s how you respond that defines you,” he added.

Uganda will return to action on Tuesday, March 25, when they take on Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Result
• Mozambique 3-1 Uganda

Mozambique secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

Santos Pedro opened the scoring for the hosts in spectacular fashion, curling a direct corner kick into the net after noticing Uganda Cranes’ goalkeeper Ismail Watenga was off his line.

Uganda responded quickly, with Muhammad Shaban levelling the score in the 7th minute. Shaban capitalized on Allan Okello’s pinpoint delivery, tapping the ball into the net.

However, Mozambique regained their lead in the 15th minute when Pedro pounced on another error from Watenga, slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Uganda’s troubles deepened in the 38th minute when Denis Omedi received a second yellow card, reducing the Cranes to 10 men.

Just before halftime, Mozambique nearly extended their lead as Geny Catamo’s effort from a tight angle narrowly missed the target.

Moments later, Stanley Ratifo made it 3-1, driving home a low shot after another lapse in Uganda’s defence.

At the start of the second half, Uganda’s coach Paul Put made a bold decision, substituting Watenga for Nafian Alionzi.

Uganda came close to reducing the deficit in the 60th minute when Allan Okello’s powerful strike rattled the crossbar.

In an attempt to turn the game around, Put introduced Steven Mukwala and Ronald Ssekiganda, replacing Jude Ssemugabi and Elvis Bwomono.

Ten minutes later, Khalid Aucho tested Mozambique’s goalkeeper with a thunderous half-volley, but his effort was expertly parried away.

Uganda will look to bounce back when they face Guinea on Tuesday, March 25, at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

• FIFA World Cup | Halftime
• Mozambique 3-1 Uganda

After playing 45 minutes, Mozambique hold on to a 3-1 lead against Uganda in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

Santos Pedro fired the hosts ahead with a direct kick from the corner flag after noticing that Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ismail Watenga was steps away from the goal line.

Muhammad Shaban levelled matters in the 7th minute with a simple touch off Allan Okello’s emphatic delivery in the area.

Mozambique restored their lead in the 15th minute after Pedro capitalised on Watenga’s error by placing the ball in the back of the net.

Uganda Cranes were reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute after Denis Omedi received a second booking.

Geny Catamo nearly extended Mozambique’s lead but his effort from an acute angle sailed wide of the frame in the 45th minute.

At the stroke of the first half, Stanley Ratifo made it three with a low drive after another poor defensive display.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named the starting XI in the crucial Fifa World Cup Qualifiers match against Mozambique at Cairo International Stadium.

Isma Watenga maintains his place between the posts while Elvis Bwomono is preferred at right back with regular Kenneth Ssemakula moved to defensive midfield where he joins skipper Khalid Aucho.

Abdul Aziz Kayondo maintains his place at left back while Bevis Mugabi gets a new partner in central defence with Elio Capradossi slotted in to start as Timothy Awany waits on the bench.

Allan Okello starts in the number ten role ahead of Travis Mutyaba while Shaban Muhammad returns to lead the search for goals with help from Denis Omedi and Jude Ssemugabi on either wing.

The match kicks off at 4:00 pm, East African Time.