Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put remains upbeat about his team’s chances of progressing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs after securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Botswana in Francistown.
Jude Ssemugabi was the hero of the day, netting the decisive goal in the second half to hand Uganda three vital points and keep their qualification dreams alive.
The result lifted the Cranes to 18 points, maintaining their second-place position in Group G behind Algeria, who sealed direct qualification to the World Cup following a 3-0 win over Somalia. The Desert Foxes now sit comfortably atop the table with 22 points and one game remaining.
‘We’ve given ourselves a chance’: Onyango on Uganda’s win over Botswana
Despite missing out on the automatic qualification spot, Uganda’s hopes are far from over. The Cranes are currently sixth among the teams occupying second place across all nine qualification groups, and Put believes his side can still make it to the global showpiece through the playoff route.
“We are still in it. The players showed great character and determination today,” said Put to the press. “We know what is at stake and a win against Algeria could put us in a very strong position for the playoff slot. We have to give everything in that final match.”
🎙️ Paul Put speaking at the post match press conference after Uganda’s 1-0 win over Botswana.#BOTUGA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/mm9kF276v7
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) October 11, 2025
Uganda will wrap up their qualifying campaign away at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium against group leaders Algeria on Tuesday, knowing that victory could propel them among the top four best runners-up and keep their dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
