Uganda Cranes delivered a statement performance on Friday, sweeping aside Mozambique with a commanding 4-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. A Rogers Mato brace, coupled with strikes from Allan Okello and Elio Capradossi, ensured a night of celebration at Mandela National Stadium as the Cranes put on one of their finest attacking displays in recent memory.
From the first whistle, Uganda exuded dominance, dictating tempo, carving open Mozambique’s defense with ease, and creating a flurry of chances. For head coach Paul Put, this was more than just three points, it was a landmark performance since his arrival in 2023.
“If I showed 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 reflected to the press. “I agree it is one of the best performances the team has had and I am proud of the players.”
Uganda crush Mozambique to soar to second place in World Cup Qualifier
The Belgian tactician reserved special praise for his charges, emphasizing their discipline and execution of his game plan.
“I want to thank the players because we wanted to start on a strong note, and we exactly did that. The chances were created and when the goals started coming, we grew in confidence and eventually managed to get a result,” he added.
The clash was also laced with a sense of redemption. Mozambique had beaten Uganda 3-1 in the reverse fixture, but this time the Cranes had the final word.
“I told the players when we lost 3-1 to them that the performance was good, considering we went a man down when Denis Omedi was sent off and also conceded goals due to individual mistakes. So this was an opportunity for revenge,” Put explained.
Today at Mandela National Stadium 🏃♂️⚽️
Purchase your ticket https://t.co/nnfUdJAkA6 #UGASOM | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/qQsqbJG0Iz
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) September 6, 2025
The emphatic win lifted Uganda to second place in Group G with 12 points, setting up a crucial encounter against Somalia on Monday at the same venue.
