Uganda Cranes have been defeated by Algeria 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers game played at Namboole Stadium this evening. The Cranes players were cagey in the opening five minutes but slowly grew into the game. This paid off in the 10th minute as youngster Travis Mutyaba neatly scored Uganda’s opener from a well-worked move.
Algeria responded by making several offensive attacks, but the Cranes’ backline and midfield were equal to the challenge.
Although Algeria turned offensive, they were impatient and sloppy in their attacks, while Uganda was patient and solid. Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, and Rogers Mato were very active throughout the first half, which ended 1-0 in favor of Uganda.
When the two teams returned for the second half, Algeria was quick in offensive transitions and got the equalizer in the 46th minute before taking the lead in the 58th minute.
The North African side then resorted to possession football with a few timely attacks. The Cranes players kept chasing the ball and managed to create a few chances, but it was not enough to break down Algeria.
Now, Algeria leads Group G with nine points, while Uganda remains on six points. The two teams that finish top in the group will advance to the next round, though the second-placed side will first have to play a knockout tie with a team that finished second in another group.
