Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, are set to face Mozambique tonight in a decisive Group G clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium(Namboole)
Kick-off is at 7:00 pm, with fans scrambling to secure tickets to watch the much-anticipated fixture.
The Cranes currently sit fourth in the group with 9 points from six matches, level with Botswana but behind on goal difference.
Mozambique occupies second place with 12 points, trailing leaders Algeria, who top the table with 15 points.
Victory tonight is vital for Uganda, as it would close the gap on Mozambique and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Conversely, a defeat could seriously damage Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the global tournament.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, team captain Khalid Aucho expressed confidence in his side:
“We are very confident and happy to represent our country. The dream is still on. For us, the target is winning our remaining matches and then see what happens.”
Group G remains tightly contested, with Algeria leading, but Mozambique, Botswana, and Uganda all fighting for positioning.
Only the group winner qualifies automatically for the World Cup, while four of the best runners-up across Africa will get a chance via playoff matches.
Tonight’s match also marks the Cranes’ debut for striker Uche Ikpeazu, 30, who plays for St Johnstone in Scotland.
Born in Harrow, England, to a Ugandan father and Nigerian mother, Ikpeazu had previously declined call-ups but has now committed to represent Uganda. Fans are excited to see the forward in action for the national team.
Other notable players returning to the squad include South Africa-based goalkeepers Dennis Onyango and Salim Jamal, who are expected to bolster Uganda’s defense.
For the Cranes, the clash with Mozambique is more than a fixture—it is an opportunity to reclaim momentum and revive their campaign as the group stages enter a critical phase.
