Tuesday, November 21
•Somalia Vs Uganda – 4pm (EAT)
Preview
Uganda Cranes are optimistic about their chances to secure their first win in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they face hosts Somalia at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.
This match marks Uganda’s second appearance in the ongoing campaign following a 2-1 defeat against Guinea last Friday.
Seydouba Cisse’s late freekick sealed Guinea’s victory after Aguibou Camara’s goal was equalized by Fahad Bayo.
“I’ve seen a very positive response from the players, displaying their mentality and discipline from the start. Unfortunately, we didn’t deserve to lose,” stated Cranes’ new coach Paul Put.
“The players showed mental resilience despite the disappointment. They’re focused and determined to deliver another strong performance.
“In Africa, there are no easy matches, as evidenced by Nigeria’s recent results.”
Somalia also suffered a defeat in their opening game, losing 3-1 to Algeria, with Issa Abatari scoring for the Visitors.
“If we approach the Somalia match with the same motivation and attitude, despite it being their home game, we can secure a favorable outcome,” added Put.
“We shouldn’t overhaul the entire team. Every player is crucial, and we need time to understand each other. Rushing changes isn’t wise.
“We’ve analyzed our games and training sessions, identifying areas for improvement. However, time is limited.
“We must address specific issues. Although the Somalia game will be tough, maintaining the positive mindset from the Guinea match can earn us maximum points.”
The Cranes must assert control early against Somalia, ranked 196th in the FIFA World Rankings, the lowest in Africa.
It’s worth noting that Somalia’s last win came in December 2019 against Burundi in the CECAFA held in Kampala.
It was at that tournament when Uganda Cranes beat Somalia 2-0 at Lugogo thanks to a brace from Allan Okello.
That very year, Uganda had eliminated Somalia 7-2 on aggregate, in the CHAN Qualifiers.
Somalia’s only competitive win against Uganda Cranes was on August 12 1973 when they won 2-0 in Mogadishu in the AFCON Qualifiers preliminary round.
The Cranes, coached by David Otti then, overturned the deficit, winning the second leg 5-0 weeks later at Nakivubo to reach the next stage. They went on to eliminate Kenya and Algeria to qualify for the 1974 AFCON in Egypt.
How to watch – Match can be streamed freely live on FIFA website.
Probable Lineups
*Somalia – Mustaf Mohamed, Abdirizak Mohamed,
Isse Ibrahim, Abdulkadir Sidow, Saadiq Faisal, Ahmed Abdullahi, Omar Hassan, Ibrahim Ilyas, Yusuf Ahmed, Sak Hassan, Mahad Abdulkadir
*Uganda – Salim Jamal, Elvis Bwomono, Aziz Kayondo, Timothy Awany, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho, Fahad Kawooya, Milton Karisa, Travis Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo, Luwagga Kizito
Last 10 Meetings:
1999: Uganda 2-0 Somalia (CECAFA)
2000: Uganda 6-0 Somalia (CECAFA)
2002: Somalia 0-2 Uganda (CECAFA)
2005: Uganda 7-0 Somalia (CECAFA)
2006: Uganda 2-0 Somalia (CECAFA)
2009: Uganda 4-0 Somalia (CECAFA)
2011: Somalia 0-4 Uganda (CECAFA)
2019: Somalia 1-3 Uganda (CHAN Qualifiers)
2019: Uganda 4-1 Somalia (CHAN Qualifiers)
2019: Somalia 0-2 Uganda (CECAFA)
