Uganda Cranes, the east African country’s national soccer team, has set all eyes on today’s duel against Algeria after securing the Friday win against Botswana.
The Friday FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers game, which was played at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, was watched by thousands of soccer lovers who included both politicians, artistes, religious and cultural leaders as well as masses from the region.
Namboole has just been renovated by the engineering brigade of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and was cleared by the continental soccer governing body (CAF) to host international games.
Muhammad Shaban came off the bench to score the Cranes’ lone strike against the Zebras during the Group G crucial game which featured mostly new kids on the block.
Cranes is in the same group with Botswana, Algeria, Somalia, Guinea and Mozambique.
Today Cranes will face table leader Algeria in a game which will see the hosts top the table should they win the game.
Team Line Ups for the Friday game included:
Uganda XI: Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (G.K, Captain), Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Halidi Lwaliwa, Elio Capradossi, Kenneth Semakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello, Aziz Fahad Bayo, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Desse Mukwala
Subs: Nafian Alionzi Legason (G.K), Chrispas Kusiima (G.K), Rogers Kassim Mato, Denis Omedi, Ibrahim Kasule, Muhammad Shaban Jagason, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Joel Sserunjogi, Timothy Dennis Awany, Umar Lutalo
Head coach: Joseph Paul Put
Botswana XI: Phoko Goitseone (G.K), Sikele Motsholetsi, Benson Kitso Mangolo, Tebogo Kopelang, Dithokwe Thatayaone (Captain), Mosha Gaolaolwe, Edwin Gape Mohutsiwa, Tumisang Orebonye, Vincent Thabang Sesiyi, Gilbert Baruti, Kabelo Seakanyeng
Subs: Dambe Kabelo (G.K), Motswagole Thabo (G.K), Ramotse Olebogeng, Molaodi Tlhalegang, Sekwai Oarabile, Boy Sagolame, Modingwane Godiraone, Serameng Phenyo, Calvin Gape Thibedi, Majafi Koketso, Bante Thabiso, Casius Obakeng Senono
