Somalia, Uganda Cranes suffer defeat in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers

The national teams of Somalia and Uganda have suffered defeats in their Group G matches played on Monday in the on-going FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Somalia took to the field first against Botswana, losing 3-1 in a match played in Maputo, Mozambique.

Thabang Sesinyi gave Botswana the lead after 10 minutes with a well timed header. In the second half Moshe Gaolaolwe’s goal and a penalty converted by Kabelo Seakanyeng were enough to ensure Botswana collect maximum points. Sak Hassan scored the lone goal for Somalia.

In the second Group G match, hosts Uganda suffered a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in a match played at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Egyptian based professional who features for Zamalek FC, Travis Mutyaba gave Uganda the lead after 10 minutes. But the Desert Foxes fough back strongly to score two second half goals through Hossem Aouar and Said Benrahma.

Before the match with Uganda, the Desert Foxes had suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Guinea, while Uganda defeated Botswana 1-0 last Friday at the same Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The win sends Algeria to 9 points in the Group, while Botswana are second with 6 points. Uganda slipped to fifth place, while Somalia with no point are bottom of the log.

Action continues on Tuesday with six teams from the CECAFA Zone all in action. South Sudan will welcome Sudan at their newly refubished Juba National Stadium in a Group B match, while Tanzania play away to Zambia in a Group E tie in Ndola.

The Harambee Stars of Kenya will host Ivory Coast in Lilongwe, Malawi, while Rwanda play away to Lesotho in a Group C match in Durban, and Burundi battle Seychelles in a Group F match to be played in Berkane, Morocco.