Uganda Cranes put their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole on Tuesday evening. A moment of brilliance from Allan Okello was all Uganda needed to claim three crucial points.
Coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss to Mozambique, the Cranes needed a response, and they delivered. Right from the start, Uganda showed urgency, dominating possession and creating chances. Left-back Aziz Kayondo was lively, making dangerous runs and whipping in crosses, but Muhammad Shaban and Rogers Mato couldn’t apply the finishing touch.
The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute. Guinea’s Mady Camara fouled Travis Mutyaba just outside the box, and Uganda was awarded a free kick in a promising position. Okello stepped up and produced a stunning strike, curling the ball into the top corner past goalkeeper Sylla Soumaila. The home crowd erupted as Uganda took a deserved lead.
The second half saw Guinea push harder, forcing Uganda to defend deep. Coach Paul Put made an early change, bringing on Timothy Awany for the injured Elvis Bwomono. Later, Shaban was also forced off with a knee injury, replaced by Calvin Kabuye.
Despite Guinea’s late pressure, Uganda held firm. Goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi made a vital save in the dying minutes, ensuring the Cranes walked away with all three points. The win moves Uganda to third place in Group G with nine points, keeping their World Cup dream alive.
