Uganda Cranes reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a commanding 4-0 demolition of Mozambique at a packed Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Friday night.
After a goalless first half in which the visitors held firm, the Cranes returned from the break with renewed purpose.
Vipers SC playmaker Allan Okello broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a thunderbolt from distance, sparking a goal-laden second half.
Rogers Mato, currently playing his trade at Vardar in North Macedonia, doubled the lead in the 70th minute with a classy curling effort before sealing his brace 14 minutes later, this time chesting down a pass inside the box and coolly finishing past a helpless Mozambican goalkeeper.
The rout was completed in the 90th minute by defender Elio Capradossi, who bundled home his first-ever Uganda goal to cap a night of joy for Paul Put’s men and despair for the Mambas, who looked blunt throughout and rarely tested custodian Salim Jamal.
Uganda’s emphatic response came just months after Mozambique had humbled them 3-1 in Maputo, making the Namboole result a sweet act of revenge.
The victory lifted the Cranes to second place in Group G on 12 points, edging Mozambique on goal difference, with Algeria remaining top.
Focus now shifts to Monday’s clash against Somalia at Namboole, where the Cranes will aim to cement their push for a maiden World Cup appearance.
