Result: Uganda 1-2 Algeria
Travis Mutyaba’s early strike was not enough to rescue the Uganda Cranes from a 2-1 defeat at home against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers match held at a packed Mandela National Stadium on Monday night.
Mutyaba electrified the over 40,000-strong crowd within the first ten minutes, netting a low-driven shot after capitalizing on a dropped ball in Algeria’s half to beat keeper Anthony Manderea at the far post.
The stunning goal sparked wild celebrations from fans and dignitaries alike, including First Lady Janet Museveni, Sports Minister Hon. Peter Ogwang, officials from MTN Uganda (the official sponsors of Uganda Cranes), FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, musicians, and other VIPs.
The Cranes had a chance to double their advantage, but Fahad Bayo’s close-range shot went wide. Algeria had their own near-miss when a distant shot hit the base of the goal post before Ismail Watenga made a crucial save in a goalmouth scramble.
However, Algeria took control shortly after the restart. Roma star Houssem Aouar equalized from a tight angle, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Cranes. Exploiting defender Kenneth Semakula’s right side, Aouar found space to slot home the equalizer.
Algeria secured victory with a 58th minute strike from Lyon’s Said Benrahma when he capitalized on a series of unfortunate errors by Uganda.
Semakula lost possession in Algeria’s half, sparking a counter-attack. Center-back Halid Lwaliwa slipped while trying to intercept, allowing Benrahma to slot the ball into an unguarded net past an onrushing Watenga.
This defeat marks Uganda’s second loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following an earlier defeat to Guinea away from home. Uganda Cranes remain on six points, having previously secured victories against Somalia and Botswana.
For Algeria, the win raises their points tally to nine, marking a return to form after their previous home defeat against Guinea.
Standings
