Author: Ahmed Marsha

The Uganda Cranes boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a convincing 2-0 win over Somalia on Monday evening at Mandela National Stadium reclaiming second place in Group G.

Allan Okello set the tone early with a composed penalty conversion in the 6th minute, giving the hosts an ideal start after left back Azizi Kayondo was fouled in the box.

Somalia, already bottom of the table, struggled to cope with Uganda’s tempo and attacking pressure. The advantage was doubled before halftime when Jude Ssemugabi pounced in the 39th minute to finish from close range, effectively sealing the contest.

With a two-goal cushion, the second half turned into a controlled display from the Cranes, who comfortably saw out the match to secure all three points.

Elsewhere in the group, Guinea’s bid to keep their qualification dreams alive was dented after they were held to a goalless draw by leaders Algeria in Casablanca.

Both sides carved out clear chances, but inspired goalkeeping from Guinea’s Moussa Camara and Algeria’s Alexis Guendouz ensured the spoils were shared.

Earlier on Monday, Mozambique kept pace in the race for the playoff spot with an important 2-0 win over Botswana, leaving them level on points with Uganda.

The battle for second place is now wide open, with Uganda and Mozambique both on 15 points. Guinea’s stalemate leaves them with an uphill task, while Algeria remain in command of the group.

Group G Standings (After 8 Matches)

Algeria – 19 points
Uganda – 15 points (GD: +5)
Mozambique – 15 points (GD: -3)
Guinea – 11 points
Botswana – 9 points
Somalia – 1 point

With just two matches remaining, the final round of fixtures in October promises a thrilling finish to Group G, as Uganda and Mozambique go head-to-head in a battle for the playoff slot.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has challenged his charges to replicate the ruthless display that humbled Mozambique as they prepare for another crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Somalia on Monday, September 8, at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium.

The Cranes revived their qualification hopes on Friday with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique, overturning the 3-1 defeat suffered in Maputo earlier this year. That emphatic win propelled Uganda into second place in Group G on goal difference, keeping alive the dream of reaching the World Cup for the first time.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Coach Put described the performance against Mozambique as one of the finest he has overseen since taking charge. He urged his players to maintain the same level of intensity and precision when they face the Ocean Stars.

“If I show you the statistics from today’s game, you would be surprised. The performance even betters some of the teams in Europe in terms of the level of energies generated, the ball distribution, and chances created,” Put said.

“It was one of the best performances the team has had, and I am proud of the players. When the chances were created and the goals came, we grew in confidence. Now we must do the same against Somalia.”

Captain Khalid Aucho, however, cautioned against complacency despite Somalia’s struggles in the qualifiers. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of East African derbies, urging his teammates and fans not to underestimate the contest.

“This is a derby, and in Africa there is no big or small team. Everyone wants to win. The good thing is we are at home, and all we want is three points,” Aucho said, before calling for an even bigger turnout at Namboole.

“We recovered well, everyone is in good condition, and we are ready. So we call upon fans to come in big numbers better than the Mozambique game.”
Uganda’s attacking inspiration will once again rest heavily on Rogers Mato, the team’s top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals. The forward is in red-hot form, having netted twice against Mozambique, and will be key to unlocking Somalia’s backline.

Head-to-Head

Uganda boast a perfect record against Somalia, winning all their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter came in March 2023 in Berkane, where an early strike from Rogers Mato secured a 1-0 victory.

The Stakes

With Algeria six points clear at the summit, the race for the playoff spot is wide open. Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, and Botswana are separated by just three points in the battle for second place.

The group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up could earn a playoff route.

For Somalia, who have collected just one point from seven matches and are already out of contention, pride and the opportunity to spoil Uganda’s campaign provide the main motivation.

Uganda Cranes produced a scintillating performance on Friday, defeating Mozambique 4-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Allan Okello opened the scoring before Rogers Mato struck twice, while Elio Capradosi sealed the emphatic win to give Uganda their fourth victory of the campaign.

The result lifts Uganda to 12 points from seven matches, level with Mozambique but ahead on goal difference. Algeria lead the group with 18 points, while Guinea and Botswana have ten and nine points respectively. Somalia sit bottom with a single point.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Paul Put expressed his delight with the team’s response following the first-leg defeat to Mozambique.

‘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. 4-0 is a great result and I am very happy.’

Despite the commanding display, Put voiced disappointment at the stadium turnout.

‘I was a little bit disappointed because I expected a full stadium. For the next game, please come out and support your boys, because the road is still long. But I have to congratulate my players—we did a marvellous job today.’

Uganda now shift focus to their next fixture on Monday against Somalia at Namboole, before two decisive away trips to Botswana and Algeria.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put and skipper Khalid Aucho have voiced confidence and determination ahead of Friday’s big 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Mozambique at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium.

The two nations are separated by just three points in Group G, with Uganda sitting fourth on nine points while Mozambique occupy second place with 12.

With only four games left, this encounter could prove pivotal in shaping both sides’ chances of making their first-ever appearance at the mundial.

Put backs his squad for revenge

Uganda head into the clash with redemption on their minds, having suffered a 3-1 defeat to Mozambique in March. Coach Paul Put believes the return to home soil, where Uganda boast four wins in their last five outings across all competitions, will give his team the edge.

“We are complete since yesterday. We have been missing some players days back so it becomes difficult to prepare a team but I think the confidence in the team is now high,” Put said.

“We are playing before our fans, we know we have to take revenge against Mozambique and if we want to be in the race then we know what we have to do in tomorrow’s game. I am confident in my players.”

Aucho leads the charge

Cranes skipper Khalid Aucho echoed his coach’s optimism, stressing unity and experience as the driving forces behind their preparations.

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

“I have never been under pressure with the national team. I am just always happy to guide the young ones because I was also guided by the senior players back then. I am also happy that senior players have been summoned again to support the young ones. I feel confident and great to be in this mix.”

Uganda’s qualifying journey

The Cranes boosted their campaign in March when Allan Okello’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea at Namboole, snapping a two-match losing streak in the qualifiers. That win reignited belief after successive defeats against Algeria and Mozambique had dented their hopes.

Currently, Uganda sit tied on nine points with Botswana in third, but behind on goal difference.

With back-to-back home fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia, Paul Put’s men will be targeting maximum points to keep pace with the leaders.

Mozambique’s form and challenges

Mozambique enter the contest eager to bounce back from a humbling 5-1 defeat to Algeria in March, where Wolfsburg striker Mohamed El Amine Amoura stole the show with a hat-trick. Geny Catamo grabbed Os Mambas’ only goal on the night.

That result halted a run of three consecutive victories for Chiquinho Conde’s side, including a 1-0 win over Guinea and the reverse fixture triumph against Uganda. They currently sit three points behind leaders Algeria but comfortably ahead of Uganda.

However, their recent outings have been less convincing, following their qualifying loss with a group-stage exit at the 2025 COSAFA Cup and a 2-0 friendly defeat to South Africa in June.

Squad boost for the Cranes

Uganda have assembled a strong squad for September’s fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia. The return of experienced goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal, alongside 11 players from the 2024 CHAN team led by Allan Okello, has lifted morale. Captain Aucho and forward Steven Mukwala were also late inclusions.

Group G standings ahead of Friday’s clash

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

With both nations eyeing Algeria at the top, this clash at Namboole could be the defining moment in Uganda’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Uganda will remain at Namboole for their next outing, facing Somalia on Monday, September 8, for match day eight.

The Uganda Cranes continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with a lively third day of training at Kyambogo Stadium.

The biggest boost came with the arrival of Elvis Bwomono and Jordan Obita, who joined camp to make the number of players in camp twenty-eight. Their addition strengthens the defensive unit and provides more options for the technical team ahead of the crucial fixtures.

The Cranes are set to host Mozambique on Friday, 5th September at 7pm, before returning to action against Somalia on Monday, 8th September at 7pm, both matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Players in Camp

Mutyaba Travis, Ronald Ssekiganda, Alionzi Nafian, Denis Onyango, Magoola Salim, Kakande Patrick, Serunjogi Joel, Ssemugabi Jude, Mpande Joseph, Achayi Herbert, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Mukundane Hillary, Allan Okello, Mpande Reagan, Omedi Denis, Mutakubwa Joel, Watambala Abdu Karim, Semakula Kenneth, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, Toby Sibbick, Khalid Aucho, Steven Mukwala, Kayondo Aziizi, Elvis Bwomono and Jordan Obita.

The squad now turns focus to fine-tuning tactical details as the countdown to Friday’s clash begins.

Gallery

The Uganda Cranes entered their second day of training at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as focus sharpens on Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Mozambique. The match will be followed by another crucial tie against Somalia on 8th September 2025, both under floodlights in Kampala.

Midfielder Allan Okello emphasised the need for intensity and full commitment in training as the team gears up for the doubleheader.

‘Everyone is trying to do their level best in training. Making sure that we get all the tactics we need so that we go all in come Friday,’ Okello said after the session.

The Vipers SC playmaker compared the upcoming fixtures to his experience at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year, noting that the World Cup qualifiers demand an even greater focus.

‘CHAN was a different tournament. This is a very different one too. We need to level up because I do not think it is the same level that we are playing in CHAN. So we need to concentrate a lot. As players, we need the confidence, the motivation. And yeah, as always, we need our fans behind us. We can not make this alone. We made history with them together, and we need to make history again starting on Friday.’

On the task ahead, Okello urged his teammates to take a step-by-step approach.

‘I would say a game at a time. We are concentrating on the Mozambique game now. We do not want to focus too much on the following game, which is Somalia. So we make sure that we get the maximum points and then go again in the next game.’

With the Cranes playing in front of home fans, Okello believes the support will be vital in pushing the team closer to their World Cup dream.

‘The fans have been so amazing. They have given us the energy. They have motivated us a lot. We created memories together during CHAN. And we have a very big dream to achieve, which is to qualify for the World Cup. So we need them behind us.’

The midfielder also hailed the impact of experienced players such as Denis Onyango in the camp.

‘It is really amazing. It really helps us, especially the players who are new in the team. Having Denis in the team also motivates us. He gives us the confidence and boosts us up. At the end of the day, what matters most is that we get the results.’

Kenneth Semakula echoed the same confidence, noting the steady progress as more players settle into camp.

‘We have had a good training session. We are just getting the pieces all together. The camp is almost getting full, so it will be a full house I think by tomorrow, inshallah. And everyone is doing well. Of course, we have a target as a nation, so we hope for the best in these two games. Hopefully, we want to get maximum points from both games,’ he said.

Regarding the senior players in the camp, Semakula shared the same sentiments as Okello.

‘This gives the team confidence and then maturity in the team. Leadership, all those things come with the senior players and we are grateful to have them in the squad,’ he added.

As of training day two, twenty-six players are in camp: Mutyaba Travis, Ronald Ssekiganda, Alionzi Nafian, Denis Onyango, Magoola Salim, Kakande Patrick, Serunjogi Joel, Ssemugabi Jude, Mpande Joseph, Achayi Herbert, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Mukundane Hillary, Allan Okello, Mpande Reagan, Omedi Denis, Mutakubwa Joel, Watambala Abdu Karim, Semakula Kenneth, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, Toby Sibbick, Khalid Aucho, Steven Mukwala and Kayondo Aziizi.

Bwomono Elvis and Jordan Obita are expected to join later this afternoon.