World Cup Qualifying: Confident Uganda Cranes plot Mozambique payback at Namboole

The Uganda Cranes are gearing up for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mozambique on Friday night at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, with both head coach Paul Put and skipper Khalid Aucho exuding belief and determination.

Separated by just three points in Group G, Uganda sit fourth on nine points, while Mozambique are second with 12. With four matches left, this showdown could be decisive in determining either side’s hopes of securing a historic place at the World Cup.

Redemption on home soil

The Cranes carry extra motivation into the contest after suffering a 3-1 defeat away to Mozambique in March. For coach Put, returning to Kampala is a key advantage, with Uganda winning four of their last five games at Namboole across competitions.

“We are complete since yesterday. Earlier, some players were missing which made preparation difficult, but confidence is now high,” Put noted.

“We are playing before our fans, we know revenge is necessary if we want to stay in the race. I am confident in my players.”

Aucho rallies the squad

Captain Khalid Aucho echoed his coach’s assurance, emphasizing experience and teamwork in what he termed a united camp.

“We thank God all players are okay and the coaches have done a good job. We are happy, motivated and ready,” Aucho said.

“I’ve never been under pressure with the national team. I’m just glad to guide the young ones, as I was guided before. The presence of senior players also adds confidence to the group.”

Uganda’s qualification path

Uganda reignited their qualification hopes in March when Allan Okello’s lone strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Guinea at Namboole. That result ended a two-game losing run which had included defeats to Algeria and Mozambique.

Level on points with Botswana but behind on goal difference, Uganda now face back-to-back home fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia — matches coach Put knows they must win to stay in contention.

Mozambique seek recovery

Mozambique arrive in Kampala looking to recover from a heavy 5-1 loss to Algeria in their last qualifier, where Wolfsburg forward Mohamed El Amine Amoura scored a hat-trick. Geny Catamo netted their consolation in Algiers.

That defeat disrupted a winning streak that had seen them overcome Guinea and Uganda earlier in the campaign. More recently, Chiquinho Conde’s side endured a group-stage exit at the COSAFA Cup and fell 2-0 to South Africa in a June friendly, raising questions over their form.

Boosted Cranes squad

Uganda enter Friday’s clash strengthened by the return of senior players, including goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal. They join a squad featuring 11 members of the 2024 CHAN team led by Allan Okello. Captain Aucho and striker Steven Mukwala were also late additions, further lifting morale in camp.

Group G standings

1. Algeria – 15 points
2. Mozambique- 12 points
3. Uganda- 9 points
4. Guinea- 7 points
5. Somalia- 1 point

With Algeria stretching ahead, this fixture at Namboole could prove pivotal in shaping Uganda’s route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Cranes will remain in Kampala for their next assignment, hosting Somalia on Monday, September 8.

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