Namboole, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Travis Mutyaba executed a 45-minute playmaking spectacle, granting Uganda a 1-0 halftime lead over Algeria. However, he faded post-intermission as the Cranes fell to a 1-2 defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifier at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Paul Put’s Cranes excelled in the first half, captivating the 41,000-strong crowd, including First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni, with the midfielder’s skillful passing, dribbling, and spatial control.
With proper guidance, the 19-year-old Zamalek playmaker Mutyaba, who scored within ten minutes, could rival Cranes legends like Stephen Bogere, Jamil Kyambadde, and Jackson Mayanja.
Yet, the night favored Vladimir Petkovic’s Desert Foxes. Roma midfielder Hossem Auoar equalized within two minutes of the second half, and West Ham United’s Said Benrahma secured victory with a close-range finish after a swift counterattack, overwhelming the Cranes’ defense.
Algeria ascended to the top of Group G with nine points, matching Mozambique, who defeated Guinea 1-0 with a 94th-minute penalty. Elsewhere, Botswana rebounded from a 0-1 loss to Uganda by thrashing Somalia 3-1.
In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Benin, ranked 65 places below Nigeria, stunned the Super Eagles 2-1, leaving Finidi George’s team winless after four qualifiers.
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Nigeria’s Group C rivals could extend their lead if victorious tonight. Group leaders Lesotho must beat Rwanda at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to stay ahead of South Africa, who face Zimbabwe at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Four-time African champions Ghana seized control of their qualification journey, outlasting Central African Republic 4-3, courtesy of a hat trick by Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew. This win propelled the Black Stars to the top of Group I with nine points, three ahead of Comoros, who visit Chad today.
RESULTS
- Uganda 1-2 Algeria
- Benin 2-1 Nigeria
- Guinea Bissau 1-1 Egypt
- Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone
- Eq Guinea 1-0 Malawi
- Ghana 4-3 Central African Rep
- Guinea 0-1 Mozambique
- Somalia 1-3 Botswana
TODAY
- Lesotho v Rwanda
- South Sudan v Sudan
- Cape Verde v Libya
- Angola v Cameroon
- Mauritius v Eswatini
- Zambia v Tanzania
- Congo v Morocco
- Madagascar v Mali
- Chad v Comoros
