Okello stunner revives Cranes' 2026 World Cup hopes

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The Uganda Cranes restored their pride and reignited their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea in a World Cup qualifier at Namboole on Tuesday.

Midfielder Allan Okello sealed the win with a stunning 25-yard free kick in the 35th minute, capitalising on a foul committed against Travis Mutyaba by Guinea defender Mohamed Ali Camara. The victory helped Uganda bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Mozambique in Egypt last week.

The win propelled the Cranes to third place in the group standings with nine points, leapfrogging both Botswana and Guinea. Group leaders Algeria and Mozambique remain tied at 12 points each.

This marked Uganda’s third win of the campaign, following an opening victory over Somalia in November 2023 and a prior 2-1 loss to Guinea in Conakry.

Guinea, also aiming to stay within reach of group leaders Algeria and Mozambique, saw their qualification hopes dented as the defeat left them fourth with seven points.

Though the Cranes didn't dominate the match, they managed to create a few clear-cut chances. In the 18th minute, Rogers Mato’s close-range effort was denied at point-blank range by Guinea goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, following a neat setup from Okello on the right wing.

The Ugandan Cranes team that started against Guinea during a World Cup Qualifeir at Namboole, March 24, 2025.

Uganda also had a lucky escape as Seydouba Cisse missed two golden opportunities, including a one-on-one with goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi. The Cranes’ reliance on long balls in the early stages was ineffective against Guinea’s towering defenders, led by Camara, who received a booking for fouling Mutyaba before Okello’s goal.

Key moments

Uganda’s most dangerous attacks came from the left wing, with Aziz Kayondo and Mato causing problems for Guinea’s defence. However, their deliveries in the 29th and 32nd minutes lacked a clinical finisher.

Namboole has long been a fortress for the Cranes, but early-year defeats to Algeria and South Africa in AFCON qualifiers likely contributed to the stadium not being at full capacity. Nonetheless, over 15,000 fans provided electric support, pushing the team back to winning ways.

Alionzi was outstanding in goal, while Okello, Shaban Mohamed, and Mutyaba were the main attacking threats throughout the game. However, Uganda’s lack of a proven striker was evident, particularly in the 63rd minute, when Okello miscued Kayondo’s pinpoint cross with the goal at his mercy.

The absence of Denis Omedi (suspended due to yellow card accumulation) and injured captain Khalid Aucho was felt, but Kenneth Ssemakula and Ronald Ssekiganda fought hard despite struggling at times.

Guinea's Mohamed Ali Camara (left) checks Cranes Mohamed Shaban during a World Cup qualifier at Namboole, March 24, 2025.

Elvis Bomwono, who had an off-colour performance, was rightly substituted for Timothy Awany at halftime, while Elio Capradosi put in a decent shift. Late substitutes Calvin Hope Kabuye, Hakim Kiwanuka, and Ssemugabi—who replaced Shaban, Mutyaba, and Mato—had little impact in the final minutes.

Uganda’s qualification journey began with a 1-0 win over Somalia, followed by a 2-1 loss to Guinea in Conakry last November. Guinea’s chances were already under pressure after they were held to a goalless draw against Somalia last week, a result that boosted Uganda’s confidence heading into yesterday’s match.

Coach Paul Put had expressed belief in his squad’s ability to match Guinea despite their European-based talent.

“Guinea has quality players competing at a high level in Europe, but we also have a strong team capable of competing in our own way. I believe in my players and the support behind us,” he said before the match.