The Uganda Cranes will be out to stretch their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes to the limit when they take on Botswana this Thursday evening at the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium.
With just two matches left in the campaign, Paul Put’s men sit second in Group G with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria knowing that every touch, tackle, and chance could define their journey to football’s grandest stage.
Uganda could still mathematically overtake Algeria if the North Africans stumble against Somalia and later fall to the Cranes in the final match.
However, Put’s men must first match Mozambique’s results who are level on points but trail on goal difference and also hope Guinea fail to collect maximum points in their remaining fixtures to stand a chance at the inter-confederation playoffs.
“We are here to try and win, especially for our fans back home,” said a determined Paul Put ahead of the clash.
Team captain Denis Onyango, a beacon of experience and leadership, believes the Cranes have what it takes to soar over Botswana’s challenge.
“The motivation is high after keeping two clean sheets in our last two games. Winning away is possible if we neutralize their threat early,” he noted.
Crunch Time in Group G
Uganda currently occupy the seventh position among the potential best four runners-up in Africa with 15 points and a +5 goal difference. Ahead of them are Gabon (19 pts), Madagascar (19 pts), Burkina Faso (18 pts), and Cameroon (18 pts)—most having played a game more.
That mathematical window leaves Uganda with no room for error. The Cranes must claim maximum points from Botswana and then face an uphill battle against Algeria on the final matchday to keep the World Cup flame burning.
A Rivalry Revisited
History leans in Uganda’s favour. The Cranes have won their last three encounters against Botswana, scoring five goals and conceding just once.
The most memorable came during the 2017 AFCON qualifiers in Gaborone, when Luwagga Kizito and Khalid Aucho netted in a 2–1 triumph.
The confidence from that past success, coupled with their current defensive solidity, sets up what promises to be a fiercely contested battle under the Botswana floodlights.
Probable Uganda XI
Jamal Salim (GK); Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, Tobby Sibbick, Aziz Kayondo; Khalid Aucho (C), Kenneth Ssemakula, Allan Okello; Jude Ssemugabi, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato.
