Uganda Cranes secured a vital one-nil victory over Botswana in Francistown to keep their hopes alive in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Forward Jude Ssemugabi scored the only goal of the match in the fifty-fourth minute, heading home unmarked from a well-delivered corner kick to give Uganda a deserved lead.
The Cranes displayed composure and tactical discipline throughout the encounter, managing Botswana’s aerial threat and long balls effectively. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Uganda held firm to claim all three points, moving to eighteen points with one match remaining.
Returning goalkeeper Denis Onyango expressed gratitude and optimism after the final whistle.
‘First of all, I have to thank the team for allowing me back, because after four years of retirement, I was allowed to come back and help where I can,’ said Onyango. ‘Regardless of whether I play or not, I remain a key member of the team. The coaches have shown trust in me, and I am happy to still play active football with Sundowns.
In football, anything can happen. We do not know what the results in Algeria will be, but we have given ourselves a chance. We now have eighteen points with one game to go, and if we can make the playoffs, it will be great for the team and the country. It is important that we keep winning and stay positive going into the Africa Cup of Nations in two months.’
Head Coach Paul Put praised his players’ discipline and effort despite challenging travel conditions and limited preparation time.
‘We knew it would be a tough game,’ said Put. ‘Botswana were dangerous with long balls, so we had to stay organised. We had chances to score earlier, and I think the victory was deserved. Botswana gave one hundred percent and were very aggressive, but I am proud of how my players fought.’
He added, ‘After a long journey and little time to train together, the players showed great character. Denis Onyango’s experience was key; he brings calmness and leadership on and off the pitch. It is not easy to travel across Africa and perform at this level, but we are happy with the result. Now, we prepare for Algeria. It will be a long journey and a difficult game, but in football, you never know.’
Uganda plays Algeria next on Tuesday 14th October 2025 in Algeria.
