Uganda Cranes resume hunt for historic world cup qualification

Friday September 5, 2025

• Mandela National stadium, Namboole 7pm

Following a relatively successful CHAN, Uganda Cranes now shifts attention to navigating the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they host Mozambique at Namboole on Friday.

Currently placed 4^th in group G with nine points, the Cranes must avenge the 3-1 first leg defeat to Mozambique to stand any chance of catching up with leaders Algeria.

They come into the game buoyed by the return of ex-captain Denis Onyango from a four-year retirement as well as the presence of English based forward Ikpeazu Mubiru who finally responded to national team summon after several snubs.

Captain Khalid Aucho, a late inclusion on the team after being snubbed by Paul Put for the September matches is adamant about the world cup dream.

“The dream is still on,” Aucho told the press. “For us, the target is winning our remaining matches and then see what happens,” he added.

For Mozambique, in second place with 12 points and only four points behind Algeria’s Desert Foxes, a win at Namboole will complete a double over the hosts and put them within touching distance of the top spot that earns direct qualification.

Team News

John Paul Dembe and Herbert Bokorn didn’t respond to the Uganda Cranes call and are out of options at Put’s disposal.

Onyango’s return from retirement coincides with Jamal Salim’s return after being over looked since the 1-0 defeat to Guinea in Morocco in 2023 but one of them will surely be in goal.

Joseph Mpande and Mubiru offer more forward options for the technical staff and will give competition to Jude Ssemugabi, Steven Mukwala and Denis Omedi, the usual suspects.

And after impressing in Chan, Hilary Mukundane and Rogers Torach are options at centre back to partner with Elio Capradosi  

As for Mozambique, coach Conde called up 25 players to the camp, but eyes will be on two players, Reinaldo Mandava who recently completed a move to Sunderland and Sport Lisbon’s Catamo who boasts 33 senior caps since his debut in September 2019.

Uganda Cranes Probable XI:

Jamal (GK), Bwomono, Kayondo, Torach, Capradossi, Sserunjogi, Aucho ©, Mutyaba, Omedi, Mato, Mpande

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