Cranes seek redemption against Algeria in World Cup qualifier

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Uganda will be seeking to avenge recent losses to the same opponent when they host Algeria on Monday at Namboole in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The last time the Cranes faced the North African giants was during the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers, when Uganda lost both home (2-1) and away (2-0). The home loss contributed to the Cranes' failure to make it to the AFCON finals.

👉 Algeria prove too strong as Cranes suffer 2-0 defeat 

CAF photo

Algeria, who arrived in the country on Sunday, come into Monday's match on the back of a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Guinea. Stand-in captain Ismail Watenga has called on his teammates to replicate the performance they had when they beat Botswana 1-0 on Friday.

"We want to perform better than we did in the previous game. Algeria is a top side and we have to be prepared for them. We call upon the fans to come in large numbers to support us," noted Watenga.

Cranes training. (Courtesy photo)

Cranes training. (Courtesy)

Following the victory against Botswana, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among contributed sh50m as a reward for the victory. This money was delivered by FUFA boss Moses Magogo and handed to captain Aucho Khalid (who is injured) alongside Watenga.

👉 Shaban nets winner as Uganda edge Botswana in World Cup qualifier

(FILE) After beating Botswana 1-0 on Friday in a FIFA World Cup African Qualifier, Uganda's Cranes maintained their unbeaten run against the Zebras.

Given that Algeria lost their previous game, Monday's tie makes them a desperate and dangerous opponent. However, coach Paul Put believes that as long as his players believe in themselves, they can win the match.

"I did not watch Algeria's game with Guinea, but I heard that they lost. That is a sign that even the big teams can lose. Now that we are at home, we can beat them. It is all about self-belief. As long as these players believe in themselves, and the fans and media play their part as well, I assure you we can beat them," noted Put.

The race for the top spot in this group, which guarantees direct qualification to the finals hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is very tight. Algeria, Uganda, Guinea, and Mozambique are all on six points from the opening three matches. Botswana and Somalia are fifth and sixth with three and zero points, respectively.

On Friday, Uganda returned to their fortress, Mandela National Stadium Namboole, for the first time in five years since its closure for renovation works, which were completed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade last month. This earned the facility the green light from CAF to host international matches again.