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Rogers Mato's early goal as enough to not only sink the Somalis but also hand Cranes head coach Paul Put his first win since taking charge less than a month back.
Uganda Cranes picked their maiden victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after beating Somalia 1-0 at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Morocco on Tuesday.
Rogers Mato's early goal as enough to not only sink the Somalis but also hand Cranes head coach Paul Put his first win since taking charge less than a month back.
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Uganda has thus managed to bounce back from Friday's heartbreak where they lost 2-1 to Guinea.
The Cranes made the start of their dreams after Rogers Mato buried debutant Allan Oyirwoth's shot, following a counter-attack led by Travis Mutyaba and Elvis Bwomono in the fourth minute.
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12:42 - 21.11.2023
World Cup Qualifiers: From the classroom, Allan Oyirwoth makes his Uganda Cranes debut
The meticulous growth of Oyirwoth has had him play and excel in multiple football competitions in Uganda, in less than a year.
Midway through the first half, Uganda nearly made it 2-0, but Oyirwoth struck inches wide from the edge of the box.
With Uganda probing more, Mutyaba almost handed Uganda a second in the 42nd minute, but he shot wide.
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Two minutes later, Mato was denied by custodian Mustaf Yuusuf after being presented with a goalkeeper-to-beat opportunity.
At the stroke of half-time, Somalia's captain, Mohamed Abdi, was sent off for an early shower following a foul that attracted a second yellow card.
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08:42 - 18.11.2023
World Cup Qualifiers: Fahad Bayo equals David Obua's incredible scoring record
Astonishingly, Bayo's four goals have come in five World Cup qualification matches and carry a weight of seven points for Uganda.
Ten minutes into the second half, Uganda should have been two to the good, but Fahad Bayo failed to guide Mutyaba's cutback in goal.
The Cranes were then on, hapless and often times lost concentration in the final third, despite the numerical advantage over their opponent..
Following the result, Uganda have stayed fifth in Group G with three points, level with Mozambique, Botswana and Guinea.
The latter have suffered a 1-0 defeat in their second match to Botswana.
Uganda will be back in World Cup qualifying action in June 2024, when they host Botswana and Algeria at Namboole Stadium.
How Uganda lined up
Ismail Watenga (GK), Elvis Bwomono, Aziz Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halid Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho (c), Kenneth Semakula, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Allan Oyirwoth, Fahad Bayo.
Substitutions: Jack Komakech, Salim Jamal Magoola, Huud Mulikyi, Ramz Kawooya, Denis Omedi, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Richard Basangwa, William Kizito Luwagga, Gavin Kizito, Bright Anukani, Umar Lutalo, Timothy Awany, Ibrahim Juma, Bobosi Byaruhanga.
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