Shaban nets winner as Uganda edge Botswana in World Cup qualifier

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 FIFA WORLD CUP AFRICAN QUALIFIERS 

 FRIDAY RESULT 
🇺🇬 Uganda 1-0 Botswana 🇧🇼
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Muhammad Shaban scored the all-important — and winning — goal against Botswana as Uganda came out on top on Friday to secure their second victory of the African qualifiers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After picking up two wins out of three qualification games, The Cranes are now level on six points with Algeria, Guinea and Mozambique.

Next up, Uganda will host Algeria — who have been beaten at home by Guinea in the second round of group matches — on Monday (June 10) for yet another crucial tie in a campaign that is so far going to plan for The Cranes.

Returning to the newlook Namboole Stadium, the hosts were backed by a sizeable crowd that was kept on its collective edge until deep in second half for the relieving opening and winning goal.

Shaban, the topscorer of the just-concluded Uganda's Premier League season, did well to latch on to Denis Omedi's pass inside the Botswanan area to slot the ball nicely past goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko and ignite Namboole Stadium under flood lights.

Muhammad Shaban (right) celebrates with provider Denis Omedi after scoring the winning goal against Botswana

Now, Belgian Paul Put's side will be hoping to continue working their up Group G of the World Cup CAF qualification when they return to action in three days' time to host an even tougher — and wounded — opponent in the form of Algeria.

Sitting in third place in a group of six teams, Uganda have picked up the same number of points as Algeria, Guinea and Mozambique in a close contest, with Botswana slipping into fourth on three points and Somalia (zero point) anchoring the table.

After Friday's game, each of these teams have played three games so far in a tight bid to secure the only one available automatic qualification spot reserved for each of the nine African groups.

The four best of the rest will then battle for one inter-confederation play-off slot to complete the cast of 10 African representatives at the World Cup that will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Put's side will have a breathless weekend as they brush up quick for their next key encounter.

Having previously played their home games out of the country as the home stadium underwent some much-needed refurbishment, the hosts will be hoping to once again make the most of the home advantage.

Uganda started their World Cup qualification campaign last November with a 1-2 defeat against Guinea. Fahad Bayo's 30th-minute goal was sandwiched by Guinean Aguibou Camara's early opener and Seydouba Cisse's late winner in Morocco.

In their second game later the same month, also played in Morocco, Rogers Mato scored the only goal as Uganda edged Somalia to pick up three points from two games.

Shaban has now become the third different player to score for Uganda in this campaign.