Cranes’ 4-0 Victory Over Mozambique Boosts Uganda’s World Cup 2026 Hopes

The Cranes return to action on Monday when they host Somalia at Namboole. Riding high on their dominant display, the team now focuses on upcoming fixtures, with Coach Put calling on fans to turn out and support them in their quest for a historic World Cup 2026 qualification.

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Uganda Cranes Coach Paul Put.

Uganda Cranes showcased tactical brilliance in a 4-0 victory over Mozambique at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, last night, on Friday, 5th September, 2025, moving a step closer to a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.

The Cranes Coach Paul Put praised the team’s disciplined performance.

“I told my players that people were waiting for revenge, and today they showed what football is. We created many chances and kept the pressure on Mozambique. A 4-0 result is great, and I am very happy,” he said.

The Cranes dominated possession from the first whistle, controlling the midfield and exploiting spaces on the wings. Allan Okello opened the scoring with a clinical strike, setting the tone for the team.

Rogers Mato then doubled the advantage, adding a second before halftime, and completed his brace in the second half. Italy-based defender Elio Capradosi rounded off the scoring with a powerful header, demonstrating defensive and offensive versatility.

Despite the commanding performance, Coach Put expressed disappointment at the turnout.

“I expected a full stadium. For the next game, please come out and support your boys, because the road is still long,” he added.

The result lifts Uganda to second place in Group G with 12 points, six behind leaders Algeria, who have 18. Mozambique drops to third, also on 12 points but behind Uganda on goal difference, while Guinea sits fourth with 10 points. Botswana occupy fifth with nine points, and Somalia remain at the bottom with just one point.

Only the group winner will qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The team now prepare for a series of decisive fixtures, including home and away matches against Somalia, Botswana, and Algeria, which will test their tactical cohesion and resilience.

The Cranes return to action on Monday when they host Somalia at Namboole. Riding high on their dominant display, the team now focuses on upcoming fixtures, with Coach Put calling on fans to turn out and support them in their quest for a historic World Cup 2026 qualification.