Uganda Cranes edge Botswana to keep FIFA World Cup dream alive

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Defeat Botswana 1–0 to Keep Hope Alive

Francistown, Botswana | October 9, 2025 — The Uganda Cranes boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Botswana 1–0 in a tense Group F encounter played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Forward Jude Ssemugabi scored the game’s only goal in the 54th minute, rising highest to head home from a perfectly delivered corner. The crucial strike earned Uganda three points and kept their qualification dream alive with ju…

Uganda Cranes edge Botswana to keep FIFA World Cup dream alive

Uganda Cranes secured a slim victory over Botswana to keep their hopes of at least making it to the playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Jude Ssemugabi’s lone goal in the second half proved to be the decisive moment of the game played in Francistown. With Algeria defeating Somalia 3-0, the direct qualification ticket in Group G was taken by the Desert Foxes, who moved to 22 points with one game to play. Therefore, Uganda is left to fi…