Uganda Cranes thump rusty Mozambique to go second in Group G | 2025 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

• 2025 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Group G
• Uganda Cranes 4-0 Mozambique

On a moist hybrid grass of Mandela National Stadium, four goals were scored by Uganda Cranes past Mozambique in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The stands were rowdy throughout the Friday night flood-lit duel as Uganda Cranes recorded a promising performance, arguably among the best and most commanding in recent years.

A brace by Rogers Mato, a stunner by talisman Allan Okello and an odd striker by defender Elio Capradossi inspired Joseph Paul Put’s side to the much-deserved victory.

All the goals arrived in the second stanza, after a wasteful opening half in front of close to 35,000 spectators.

Okello lit up Namboole with a well-driven 35-yard long-range shot that easily eluded the diving goalkeeper Ivan Urrubal in the 48th minute.

Two minutes later, it would have been two goals up had the crossbar not denied the industrious forward Jude Ssemugabi following an enterprising run down the right flank.

Mozambique swiftly reacted with a double change. Manuel Kambala replaced Ricardo Guimaraes and the number nine Faizal Bangal came on for Pedro Santos.

Uganda Cranes’ captain Khalid Aucho was cautioned in the 58th minute for protesting a referee’s decision.

On the hour mark, Mozambique had the opportunity to draw the game level but a teasing free-kick delivery from Diogo Cabral hit the side-netting.

On the break, Mato ballooned the ball over after a Mozambique defender missed contact with the ball.

Desperately, Mozambique made a triple substitution. Clesio Bauque came on for Stanley Ratifo, Alexandre Melque replaced Witiness Quembo and Jone Feliciano took over the slot for Alfonso Amade.

For the second time in the game, Uganda Cranes hit the woodwork through Mato in the 66th minute.

The dominance for the home side continued as diligent forward Steven Desse Mukwala watched in disbelief when his low drive sailed across away from the goal frame in the 69th minute.

Mukwala quickly recovered to set up Mato who beautifully curled home from inside the goal area for a two-goal cushion. Namboole buzzled with an enviable roar.

Uganda continued to be a team on a mission possible when Ssemugabi forced a corner kick with a deflected shot before Bwomono set up Mukwala who shot over on the turn. This happened to have been Mukwala’s last contribution as his place was taken over by the Tunisian-based Travis Mutyaba.

Mutyaba’s impact was instant and positive. His inswinging delivery got punched out for a corner kick by goalkeeper Carbral in the 77th minute.

Two minutes later, Jordan John Obita, who had a marvellous partnership with Capradossi in central defence, mis-kicked the ball inside the goal area but Bwomono was well positioned to tame the danger.

Mutyaba set up his skipper Aucho inside the goal area but a heavy first touch was too disappointing for the former Young Africans midfielder.

Mato volleyed home Uganda Cranes’ third goal, his second on the night, thanks to Okello’s drive into the area.

Okello had a delivery headed narrowly out by Ssemugabi as the hosts ran riot.

On the break, Bangal registered a shot on target, well pouched by goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola, who was largely untested in the game.

With three minutes to play, Uganda Cranes called for a double change. Mato was granted a standing ovation as he paved way for Joseph Mpande while big forward Uche Mubiru made his long-awaited debut, replacing the industrious Ssemugabi.

At the stroke of full-time, it was goal number four for Uganda Cranes.

Okello’s curling corner kick was headed home by defender Capradossi. At this stage, it was done and dusted. Merely icing on the already baked cake.

Uganda Cranes attain their fourth victory in the qualifiers which drives them to second position, with 12 points, the same as Mozambique.

The Cranes have a superior goal difference emanating from the comprehensive 4-0 triumph at home.

Up next is Uganda’s next home game against fellow CECAFA member, Somalia, on Monday, 8th September 2025 at 7 pm.

On the same day, Guinea will play host to Algeria at the Muhammed V Stadium in Morocco.

Mozambique will square up against Botswana at Estadio de Zimpeto, Maputo.

Reactions:

It was a good revenge over Mozambique having lost 3-1 to them. I congratulate all the boys for the performance. I am however disappointed that it was not a full stadium. I call upon the fans in the next game, to come more and support. At half-time, I talked to the players to believe in themselves, the game is 90 minutes, keep the pressure and maintain the tempo, they exactly did that.

Paul Joseph Put, Head Coach – Uganda Cranes