Uganda defeats Botswana 1-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier

Kampala, June 8 : Host Uganda defeated Botswana 1-0 in a Group G match of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on Friday.
Substitute Muhammad Shaban netted the lone goal after 74 minutes to send the fans on their feet at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium.

Shaban capitalized on another substitute Denis Omedi’s cross to place the ball past Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
Earlier in the first half, striker Fahad Bayo and Steven Mukwala missed some decent scoring chances for Uganda Cranes. Vincent Sesiyi Thabang also had his shot miss the target for Botswana after the interval.
After taking the lead, the home team continued to trouble Botswana with lots of attacks orchestrated by Shaban, Rogers Mato and Bobosi Byaruhanga, while Italian based defender Elio Capradossi, who was making his debut for Uganda, put up a man of the match performance with good interceptions and command at the backline.(UNI)