Vipers attacking midfielder Allan Okello delivered a moment of brilliance, curling in a free kick in the 36th minute to secure a crucial 1-0 victory for Uganda Cranes over Guinea in a Group G clash of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Tuesday evening.

Following criticism for defensive lapses in their previous match against Mozambique, the Cranes responded with a disciplined and structured performance, keeping their qualification hopes alive.

Uganda controlled the early exchanges, creating several scoring opportunities. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Okello’s stunning free kick found the top left corner, leaving the Guinean goalkeeper with no chance.

Guinea, despite controlling possession in spells, struggled to penetrate Uganda’s resolute defense. The defensive pairing of Bevis Mugabi and Elio Capradossi effectively neutralized Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, limiting Guinea’s attacking threat.

The second half saw Guinea push forward in search of an equalizer. They nearly leveled the score in the 49th minute, but Cranes captain Capradossi made a vital clearance. Goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi, who had a relatively quiet night, was called into action in the 53rd minute, making a crucial save to deny a Guinea free kick.

Uganda responded with swift counter-attacks, nearly doubling their lead in the 54th minute when Muhammad Shaban was denied by the Guinean goalkeeper. A minute later, Okello set up Travis Mityana on a fast break, but the forward failed to convert. The Cranes continued to threaten, with Aziz Kayondo almost assisting Okello for a second goal in the 67th minute, only for a Guinean defender to clear the danger.

Guinea’s final push came in the 88th minute when they earned a free kick, but Alionzi once again came to Uganda’s rescue with a crucial save.

With this victory, Uganda moves to third place in Group G with nine points, three behind leaders Algeria and Mozambique, both of whom have played one game fewer. Uganda has now beaten Guinea in both their meetings at Namboole, having secured a 2-0 win in 2014 courtesy of a Geoffrey Massa brace.

The Cranes will return to action on September 1, 2025, when they host Mozambique in another must-win encounter at Namboole.