It was a bad day in office for Uganda against Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Algeria beat Uganda 2:1 at Namboole, Mandela National Stadium. Uganda beat Bostwana on 9th June 2024 and had high hopes of winning over Algeria but all was in vain last night thus making the Desert Warriors (Algeria) top Group G. Previously, Uganda never lost against Algeria at Namboole; In 1973 Uganda 2-1 Algeria, in 1983 Uganda 4-1 Algeria, in 1998 Uganda 2-1 Algeria and in 2024 Uganda 1:2Alegeria.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans at Namboole Stadium during the Uganda Cranes' match against Algeria. Despite an early lead for Uganda, the comeback by Algeria was a big disappointment for the Ugandan supporters, especially with the confidence they had got from beating Bostwana. Uganda cranes players and fans saw their dreams for qualifying in the World cup setback but still hopeful.
Uganda scored its first goal in the 9th minute by Travis Mutyaba with a shot outside the box and struck it with his left foot to a far bottom post beating the Algerian goalkeeper Anthony Manderea making Uganda have an early lead in the first half. Algeria’s Houssem Aouar equalized for Algeria just a minute into second half before West Ham United forward Saïd Benrahma scored their second goal in a counter attack that saw Kenneth Ssemakula crumble on the ground after losing the ball.
Mandela National Stadium Namboole in Kampala city with 45,000 sitting capacity
“I am not disappointed about the performance, I even congratulated the players for the mentality they showed, but football is very simple. If you create a chance and don’t score, it becomes very difficult because you are playing an opponent who has better quality, and one of the best teams in Africa,” Ugandan Coach Put told journalists during the post-match press conference at Namboole, Mandela National Stadium.
Put added “Then you give two stupid goals away at very bad moments. It becomes very hard, but still, I think it is a learning process. Our squad is very young, we have to grow in maturity, and we have to look for players who can make a statement,”
Algeria tops Group G with nine points, followed by Mozambique who also have nine points but with a lower goal difference. Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda with six points with Uganda currently in fifth place goal difference.
With the current table standings of the FIFA World cup qualifiers 2026, the leading team from each of the nine groups will automatically qualify for the World Cup. Furthermore, the four best runners-up will compete in an African playoff, with the winners advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
No comments:
Post a Comment