The Uganda National Senior team, the Cranes, are set to host the 1990 and 2019 African champions, Algeria, in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualification match at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday.
With both nations tied at six points after three games in Group G, this match offers an opportunity for either team to pull ahead to nine points and potentially take the top spot.
In their last encounter, Algeria emerged victorious by a one-goal margin. Notably, both teams show absolute trends when leading at specific points: Uganda has a perfect win record when leading 1-0 at home, and Algeria similarly wins all matches when leading 0-1 away.
Uganda has struggled at home recently, failing to win any of their last four matches. In contrast, Algeria is on a hot streak with five consecutive away victories. Despite this, Algeria has shown some vulnerability by conceding a goal in each of their last six matches.
Former Uganda Cranes players David Obua, Mike Sserumaga, Tonny Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa, Simeone Masaba, and Alex Isabirye have shared their predictions for the highly anticipated game in Kampala.
David Obua – Prediction: Uganda 1-1 Algeria
“Algeria is a continental powerhouse, but they are not as mighty as they were in previous years. Uganda has lost only one match at Namboole in nearly two decades. I think it will end in a 1-1 draw.”
Mike Sserumaga – Prediction: Uganda 1-0 Algeria
“Namboole has just been re-opened, and the boys will be eager to uphold the tradition of defeating top teams here. In the past, even the strongest teams couldn’t win at Namboole. I believe Uganda will win 1-0. However, I’m uncertain about our World Cup chances.”
Tonny Mawejje – Prediction: Uganda 2-1 Algeria
“Everyone knows Algeria was once a powerful nation now experiencing a significant decline. Playing them now is timely. I think Uganda will win by a narrow 2-1 margin. It’s now or never for the Cranes.”
Simeone Masaba – Prediction: Uganda 0-1 Algeria
“While I want us (Uganda) to win, it will be a tough challenge, especially because we are a young team still building for the future. Algeria isn’t performing well either, but they have experience. Algeria will edge it 1-0.”
Hassan Wasswa – Prediction: Uganda 1-1 Algeria
“I don’t see Uganda losing at Namboole. It’s a fortress where top teams like Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt have failed to win. We (Uganda) may not win either, especially since Algeria is desperate for points. I think 1-1 will be a fair result for everyone.”
Alex Isabirye – Prediction: Uganda 0-0 Algeria
“I think it might be a game with limited chances for both teams. Algeria remains a threat, but without key players like Riyad Mahrez, they’ll lack creativity. At Namboole, Uganda rarely loses, regardless of the opponent. I predict a 0-0 draw.”
