Overview:
Uganda’s 2026 World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak on Tuesday night as Algeria struck twice late on in Boukhalfa to overturn Steven Mukwala’s early opener and deny the Cranes a famous win.
Fifa 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Caf)
October 14 results
Algeria 2-1 Uganda
Guinea 2-2 Botswana
Somalia 0-1 Mozambique
Uganda’s hopes of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Cup playoffs ended on Tuesday night after conceding two late goals in a 2–1 defeat to Algeria at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Boukhalfa.
Steven Mukwala gave Uganda a sixth-minute lead with a composed finish past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane after Kenneth Ssemakula won possession high up the pitch.
The Cranes could have extended their advantage before the break, but Jude Ssemugabi narrowly missed Mukwala’s low cross, while Uganda Premier Leagues star Allan Okello dragged a low shot inches wide early in the second half after a solo run through the Algerian defence.
Algeria, who had already qualified for the World Cup playoffs, increased pressure as the second half progressed, with Mohamed Amoura and captain Riyad Mahrez causing problems from both flanks.
Uganda’s full backs Toby Sibbick and Aziz Kayondo held firm until the 81st minute when Mukwala handled in the box. Amoura converted the resulting penalty to level the score at 1–1.
In stoppage time, Uganda goalkeeper Salim Jamal was penalised for a foul during an aerial challenge and was stretchered off injured.
Substitute Denis Onyango came on, but Amoura scored his second penalty of the night in the 90+9 minute to seal victory for the hosts.
The result means Uganda finish their World Cup qualifying campaign on 18 points, seven behind group leaders Algeria, and out of contention for one of the four best runners-up places in the Caf playoff round.
Paul Put’s side will now turn their attention to preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026.