By 
Result
- Uganda 1-0 Guinea
Uganda Cranes reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole. Allan Okello’s stunning first-half free kick proved decisive as Uganda bounced back from a disappointing defeat to Mozambique.
From the opening whistle, the Cranes dictated the tempo, particularly in the attacking third. Left-back Aziz Kayondo was a constant threat, making two impressive solo runs and delivering dangerous crosses, though striker Muhammad Shaban failed to capitalize. Rogers Mato also came close, narrowly missing another inviting delivery from Kayondo.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute when Travis Mutyaba was fouled just outside the box by Mady Camara. Okello stepped up and curled a sublime free kick into the top left corner, leaving Guinea’s goalkeeper Sylla Soumaila helpless and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Uganda maintained their dominance into halftime, but the second half brought fresh challenges. An early forced substitution saw Timothy Awany replace the injured Elvis Bwomono at right-back.
Guinea, desperate for an equalizer, increased their attacking intensity. Uganda suffered another setback when Shaban limped off with a knee injury, making way for Calvin Kabuye, who struggled to make an impact.
As Guinea pressed forward, goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi produced a crucial save in the dying minutes to preserve Uganda’s lead. The visitors also appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved away their claims, awarding Uganda a goal kick instead.
At full time, Okello’s moment of brilliance proved enough for Uganda to secure all three points, moving them to third place in Group G with nine points. Despite missing captain Khalid Aucho, the team displayed improved cohesion, with Alionzi excelling in goal after replacing the under fire Ismail Watenga.
