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 Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Uganda beat Bostwana on June 9, 2024, and had high hopes of winning over Algeria, but all was in vain on Monday night, thus making the Desert Warriors (Algeria) top Group G.
Previously, Uganda never lost against Algeria at Namboole: in 1973, Uganda beat Algeria 2-1; in 1983, Uganda beat Algeria 4-1; in 1998, Uganda beat Algeria 2-1; and in 2024, Uganda was defeated by Algeria 1:2.
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 gained from beating Bostwana. Ugandan players and fans saw their dreams of qualifying for the World Cup setback but were still hopeful.
Uganda scored its first goal in the 9th minute when Travis Mutyaba took a shot outside the box and struck it with his left foot to a far bottom post, beating Algerian goalkeeper Anthony Manderea, giving Uganda an early lead in the first half. Algeria’s Houssem Aouar equalized for Algeria just a minute into the second half before West Ham United forward Saïd Benrahma scored their second goal in a counterattack that saw Kenneth Ssemakula crumble on the ground after losing the ball.
“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 is one of the best teams in Africa,” Ugandan Coach Put told journalists during the post-match press conference at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
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 have six points, with Uganda currently in fifth place with a 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. Additionally, the four best runners-up will compete in an African playoff, with the winners advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
