Monday September 8, 2025
Uganda defender controls possession under pressure from Somalia forward during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on September 8, 2025. Uganda won 2-0 to move second in Group G. Credit: Kawowo Sports
KAMPALA, Uganda (HOL) — Uganda beat Somalia 2–0 on Monday at Mandela National Stadium to move to 15 points in Group G of Africa’s World Cup qualifying, keeping the Cranes level with Mozambique and strengthening their bid for the playoff route with two matches to play.
Allan Okello converted a fifth-minute penalty after Abdulle Abdullani fouled Azizi Kayondo, and Jude Ssemugabi added a second in the 38th minute, reacting quickest to finish after Steven Mukwala’s header was spilled by goalkeeper Abdirahman Mohamud Jama. Uganda controlled the first half and managed the second, creating chances without adding to the margin.
The result leaves Algeria top on 19 points after drawing with Guinea, while Uganda and Mozambique are tied on 15, the Cranes ahead on goal difference. Botswana remain in the mix; Somalia, bottom on one point, is eliminated.
Somalia’s best moments came from set pieces around the hour, when Omar Mohammed headed over from a free kick. Head coach Yusuf Ali Nur again leaned on a retooled spine, with Jama keeping the score respectable and midfielder Abdi Sharif, one of several diaspora players drafted during this cycle, tasked with helping Somalia play through pressure. But the Ocean Stars struggled to progress the ball, and long phases without possession left the front line isolated.
Paul Put’s side pressed high from the start, funnelling play toward the flanks and attacking Kayondo’s corridor. When Uganda dropped off after the interval, they still found entries through Okello’s delivery and Mukwala’s runs across the near post; Denis Omedi and the Mpande duo arrived late to see the match out.
What it means: Uganda remain in control of second place on goal difference and can keep pressure on Algeria heading into the final window. For Somalia, this window ends with back-to-back defeats in Kampala but also with another competitive hour against higher-ranked opponents, a reminder that the rebuilding project, which is heavy on diaspora integration and defensive structure, is incremental.
Group G snapshot: Algeria 19; Uganda 15 (GD ahead of Mozambique 15); Guinea 11*; Botswana 9; Somalia 1. *Guinea’s draw with Algeria compressed the chase beneath the leaders.