Uganda XI that faced Botswana.Photo: FUFA
Uganda beat Botswana 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier group G match at Mandela National stadium Namboole on Friday evening and Sports-256 senior reporter Henry Musabe rates Cranes’ players performance on a scale of 10 before they host Algeria on Monday.
Isma Watenga G.K (C) – 5.5
With very little threat from the Botswana attack from the start, it was clear indication that they had come to pick a point. Watenga, had very little work to do on the day, but the the stand in captain in absence of Emma Okwi and Khalid Aucho, he is credited for his composure and comfortability in starting build ups from the goal posts.
Elvis Bwonono – 5.5
He looked solid defensively, he had a calm head, he avoided reckless fouling, good at game reading, but he could do better with the two chances he got to at least get a goal for his country.
Isaac Muleme -5.5
One of the most experienced members of the squad, the left back is credited for his work-rate, running on the left the whole evening, but could do more offensively with his deliveries in the area with little threat in Botswana’s attack especially on the right.
Halid Lwaliwa -5
An average performance to me for a player who has also been in the set up for some time, no threat in Botswana’s attack but they gave hope to Ugandans that their partnership with Ellio Capradossi could be the most desired.
Ellio Capradossi – 7
He, to me was the Man of the day, it has been very rare in Ugandan football to witness a center back who comfortably uses both feet, that loves being on the ball every time, he as well, loves to build from the back. Though, I would love to see him against a more serious opponent, but he looked so calm and composed, what a debut for him.
Kenneth Semakula -4.5
Not the best day in office for the versatile player, especially in the first half, he seemed to be in a hurry giving away free balls, but later, he settled in and did enough for the team to get 3 points even when he was moved from midfield to right back position.
Ronald Ssekiganda -6.5
He was very impressive on his senior national team debut, and it was indeed a tough decision for me to make that Ellio Capradosi edged him for my man of the match status.
4- Allan Okello -4
Not a day he would love to have again in office, with his abilities and trust from the coach Put, a lot was expected from the Vipers’ man along side Mutyaba but to me he left Travis to steal the show alone.
Travis Mutyaba -6
Top performance from the teenager, driving the team,played in his preferred position behind the striker, the Zamalek man tried to show his quality at many occasions when he carried the ball and tried to create some thing for his country.
Fahad Bayo –4.5
The Cranes lead striker, was not at his best and you can rearly remember his involvements in the game for the 65 plus minutes he played.
Steven Mukwala -5
He showcased his speed and agility when he tried to beat his marker at many occasions but he was just average on the day, he could do more.
Substitutes
Rogers Mato -5.5
Replaced Allan Okello at halftime, the workholic forward was impressive, helped the team in attack and defensively. In fact he had created for himself the best chance for Uganda to score but was denied by a block using his brilliance and pace.
Muhammed Shaban -5.5
His is credited for his sublime finish but also kept the Botswana defence at check every minute he was at the pitch. Put is also credited for trying another center forward pairing of him and Bayo, when he replaced Mukwala and as well, brought on Omedi who assisted Shaban.
Dennis Omedi -5.5
I would have loved to watch the Kitara forward for more minutes for his abilities but I credit him for that delicious delivery onto Shaban to find the sole goal.
Bobosi Byaruhanga -5
Didnot have so many touches on the ball when he came on to replace Bwomono, but was impactful, he was involved in the goal build up, appreciated for that long ball to Omedi who assisted Shaban.
Joel Serunjogi -N/A
The debutant came on late in the 86th minute to replace Allan Okello
*Paul Put: Coach* -6.5
With support of his technical staff, he masterminded the win, with perfect substitutions, he showed great understanding of ability of each member of the team, then to me, he was spot on selecting his first XI, giving chance to slightly more talented young stars; Mutyaba, Okello and others and most importantly for some years, we saw a culture/ that is being built, patience as team builds from the back as well as, involving in long balls
Unused Substitutes
Crispus Kusiima (GK), Nafian Alionzi(GK), Timothy Awany, Nicholas Mwere, Ibrahim Kasule
