Somalia aims to secure their first competitive victory in almost four years as they host Uganda at Stade Municipal de Berkane for a CAF World Cup qualifier.
The Ocean Stars began their campaign with a loss against Algeria, while Uganda faced a narrow defeat by Guinea.
Match preview:
Somalia, the lowest-ranked team in Africa at 196th in the FIFA World Rankings, suffered a 3-1 defeat against Algeria at Stade de Nelson Mandela, with an own goal from Ahmed Abdullahi Abdi in the second minute. Despite Issa Abatari’s goal, strikes from Baghdad Bounedjah and Islam Slimani denied Somalia an unexpected result. Although not realistic contenders for a World Cup spot, the new CAF format provides them with nine more chances to improve. Somalia last tasted success in a competitive fixture in December 2019, with Omar Mohamed scoring their only goal against Burundi in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
Uganda started their Group G campaign with a trip to Morocco, facing Guinea at Stade Municipal de Berkane. Fahad Bayo’s goal equalized the match, but a 94th-minute strike from Seydouba Cisse secured a win for Guinea. Uganda, known for their 1970s success in the Africa Cup of Nations, has struggled to make a significant impact since. Centre-back Bevis Mugabi, familiar to followers of the Scottish Premiership, plays for Motherwell and brings experience to the squad.
Somalia World Cup Qualifying – Africa form: L
Somalia form (all competitions): L L L
Uganda World Cup Qualifying – Africa form: L
Uganda form (all competitions): L L W L L L
Team News:
Somalia welcomes 22-year-old Abdi Salim, who plays for Orlando City, providing a boost to a squad with limited top-flight experience. Changes in the starting XI might include players like Abdulkadir Sidow and Farhan Ahmed.
For Uganda, Milton Karisa, who was substituted at half-time against Guinea, might be replaced by Yunus Sentamu. Anukani Bright, playing in the Ugandan Premier League, seeks his ninth international appearance.
Somalia possible starting lineup: Yuusuf; A Mohamed, Elmi, Ismail, Salim; Jama, Abdi, Ilyas, Ahmed; Mohamed, Abatari
Uganda possible starting lineup: Salim; Semakula, Mugabi, Byaruhanga, Abdul; Aucho, Sentamu, Lwaliwa, Mutyaba; Bayo, Mato
