Onyango confident as Cranes face Botswana in World Cup push
The veteran goalkeeper added that team morale is high.
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango. File photo
World Cup qualifiers
Thursday 9th
Botswana v Uganda 7pm
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango has expressed confidence that the team can secure crucial results in their remaining FIFA World Cup qualifier games ahead of their clash against Botswana at Francistown Stadium on Thursday 9.
“We must believe that we can also get results away. These two games are very crucial in determining if we will be at the World Cup, so we will treat them with maximum focus and make sure we come out victorious,” Onyango said.
The veteran goalkeeper added that team morale is high.
“The motivation from the team is top notch. We have kept clean sheets in the last two games,” he added.
Uganda currently sits second in Group G with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria who have 19 points, while Mozambique also has 15. A win against Botswana would move the Cranes within one point of Algeria ahead of the decisive final game in Algiers on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
Coach Paul Put’s squad is in high spirits with all 26 players available.
The late arrivals, Rogers Mato and Travis Mutyaba, have added strength to Uganda’s attack.
Mato, who plays for FK Vardar in North Macedonia, has scored eight goals this season and netted twice in Uganda’s last international window.
Mutyaba, currently with CS Sfaxien in Tunisia, brings creativity and flair to the forward line.
Uganda last visited Botswana in 2016, winning 2-1 through goals by William Kizito Luwagga and Khalid Aucho.
The Cranes will face Botswana on Thursday before traveling to Algeria for the final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match.