FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2026
FT Uganda 1-0 Botswana
Muhamad Jageson Shaban scored the all important goal for Uganda against Botswana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier group G match played on Friday at Mandela national stadium Namboole.
The KCCA FC hitman came off the bench to score in the 71st minute when he replaced Stephen Mukwala.
Substitutes Bobosi Byaruhanga and Dennis Omedi combined well to set up Shaban for the goal.
Earlier in the game, speedy forward Mukwala, got his chance to give the hosts the lead but his free-kick effort was well taken care of by the goalkeeper.
Coach Paul Put, made a half time substitution and brought on Rogers Mato for Allan Okello who brought in life and later in the 63rd minute made a double substitution and brought on Muhammad Shaban and Bobosi Byaruhanga.
Rogers Mato got the best opportunity in the game, but was denied by the goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko before Mo Shaban found the back of the net.
Right back Elvis Bwomono got two chances to score for the hosts but was denied by a block in the 11th minute and put the other golden chance inches off target in the 23rd minute.
Bayo was another Cranes player that got a diary half opportunity to find the back of the net but he headed off target a well crafted Allan Okello cross.
Before the half time break, debutant Ronald Ssekiganda was denied by goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko on his long range effort.
KCCA FC young star Joel Serunjogi was handed his senior national debut, when he came on for star man Travis Mutyaba in the 84th minute.
Uganda will face Algeria on Monday 10th June in their forth group game.
Botswana are 5th placed with 3 points just above Somalia.
Algeria, Guinea and Uganda are tied at six points in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively with better goal difference.
Uganda Cranes XI Botswana
Isma Watenga, Elvis Bwonono, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaliwa, Ellio Carpradosi, Kenneth Semakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello,Travis Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo, Steven Mukwala
Substitutes
Crispus Kusiima, Nafian Alionzi, Timothy Awany, Bobisi Byaruhanga, Nicholas Mwere, Dennis Omedi, Joel Serunjogi, Ibrahim Kasule, Shaban Muhammad
Botswana XI
Goitseone Phoko, Gilbert Baruti, Kitso Mangolo, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Moasha Gaolaolwe, Tebogo Kopelang, Gape Mohutsiwa, Kabelo Seakayeng, Thabang Sesinyi, Motsholetsi Sikele
