Algeria’s Late Comeback Ends Uganda’s World Cup Dreams

Two second-half goals from hosts Algeria dashed Uganda’s hopes of earning a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 playoff phase.

Heading into the crucial Group G encounter, the Uganda Cranes needed a win to keep their qualification chances alive and secure one of the four available playoff spots.

It was Steven Mukwala who gave Uganda a dream start at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium. The Simba SC forward capitalized on a well-controlled pass from Kenneth Semakula, driving past the Algerian defence before slotting calmly beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane in the sixth minute.

The Desert Fennecs responded with relentless pressure in search of an equalizer, but Uganda’s defensive line remained disciplined and compact. Ssemugabi came close to doubling the lead but narrowly missed the target, keeping Uganda in front at halftime.

After the break, Allan Okello almost extended Uganda’s lead with a curling effort that went inches wide in the 56th minute. Moments later, Algerian captain and former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez fired wide from close range as the hosts pressed harder.

With ten minutes left, Algeria’s pressure finally paid off. The referee awarded two penalties in quick succession — both surrounded by controversy. In the 81st minute, Mukwala was judged to have fouled inside the box, and Mohamed Amoura converted confidently past Jamal Salim Magoola.

Minutes later, Magoola was involved in another decisive moment when he collided with an Algerian attacker while contesting a loose ball, prompting the referee to point to the spot again. The Ugandan goalkeeper sustained an injury in the process and was replaced by veteran Denis Onyango. Amoura stepped up once more, sending Onyango the wrong way to claim his brace and 10th goal of the qualifiers, sealing a 2-1 comeback victory for the hosts.

The defeat leaves Uganda second in Group G with 18 points, ending their bid for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff round.

In other Group G results, Somalia lost 1-0 to Mozambique, while Guinea and Botswana played out a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, in Group C, Rwanda suffered a 3-0 defeat away to South Africa.