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English Algeria hands Uganda second defeat to go top of group G, as Mozambique go joint top.
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It was a tough night up against the wall for Uganda’s football fans as Algeria secured a comeback for a 2-1 win against the Uganda Cranes in match day 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Ugandan side had raised hopes after their Friday win against Botswana, aiming to defeat the Desert Foxes and rise up the top spot in their group.
The initially jovial, loudy and cheering crowd at Namboole Stadium turned to disappointment for the thousands who had gathered to support the Uganda Cranes battling up with one of Africa’s football giants.
In the 9th minute, young star Travis Mutyaba gave Uganda an early lead to keep the hopes alive after capitalizing on a defensive error by the Algerians. Mutyaba seized a loose ball outside the box and struck it into the far post, beating Algerian goalkeeper Anthony Manderea.
There was a dramatic turn of events at the beginning of the second half. Just 2 minute in, Benrahma’s shot ricocheted off a teammate, Houssem Aouar was left alone in the corner of the six-yard box with the ball to tap-in and equalized for Algeria, sending the loudy crowd into silence.
Algeria then took the lead in the 58th minute with a goal from West Ham United forward Saïd Benrahma, who finished a swift counter-attack after Kenneth Ssemakula lost possession near the opponent’s box.
The victory helped Algeria solidify their position at the top of Group G with nine points, closely followed by Mozambique, who also have nine points but a lower goal difference. Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda each have six points, with Botswana in third place due to a superior goal difference, and Guinea ahead of Uganda based on head-to-head.
The top team from each of the nine groups will automatically qualify for the World Cup. Additionally, the four best runners-up will enter an African playoff, with the winners advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs set for March 2026.
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