Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put and skipper Khalid Aucho have voiced confidence and determination ahead of Friday’s big 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Mozambique at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium.
The two nations are separated by just three points in Group G, with Uganda sitting fourth on nine points while Mozambique occupy second place with 12.
With only four games left, this encounter could prove pivotal in shaping both sides’ chances of making their first-ever appearance at the mundial.
Put backs his squad for revenge
Uganda head into the clash with redemption on their minds, having suffered a 3-1 defeat to Mozambique in March. Coach Paul Put believes the return to home soil, where Uganda boast four wins in their last five outings across all competitions, will give his team the edge.
“We are complete since yesterday. We have been missing some players days back so it becomes difficult to prepare a team but I think the confidence in the team is now high,” Put said.
“We are playing before our fans, we know we have to take revenge against Mozambique and if we want to be in the race then we know what we have to do in tomorrow’s game. I am confident in my players.”
Aucho leads the charge
Cranes skipper Khalid Aucho echoed his coach’s optimism, stressing unity and experience as the driving forces behind their preparations.
“We thank God all players are okay and the coaches have done a good job. We are all happy, motivated and ready for the game tomorrow,” Aucho stated.
“I have never been under pressure with the national team. I am just always happy to guide the young ones because I was also guided by the senior players back then. I am also happy that senior players have been summoned again to support the young ones. I feel confident and great to be in this mix.”
Uganda’s qualifying journey
The Cranes boosted their campaign in March when Allan Okello’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea at Namboole, snapping a two-match losing streak in the qualifiers. That win reignited belief after successive defeats against Algeria and Mozambique had dented their hopes.
Currently, Uganda sit tied on nine points with Botswana in third, but behind on goal difference.
With back-to-back home fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia, Paul Put’s men will be targeting maximum points to keep pace with the leaders.
Mozambique’s form and challenges
Mozambique enter the contest eager to bounce back from a humbling 5-1 defeat to Algeria in March, where Wolfsburg striker Mohamed El Amine Amoura stole the show with a hat-trick. Geny Catamo grabbed Os Mambas’ only goal on the night.
That result halted a run of three consecutive victories for Chiquinho Conde’s side, including a 1-0 win over Guinea and the reverse fixture triumph against Uganda. They currently sit three points behind leaders Algeria but comfortably ahead of Uganda.
However, their recent outings have been less convincing, following their qualifying loss with a group-stage exit at the 2025 COSAFA Cup and a 2-0 friendly defeat to South Africa in June.
Squad boost for the Cranes
Uganda have assembled a strong squad for September’s fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia. The return of experienced goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal, alongside 11 players from the 2024 CHAN team led by Allan Okello, has lifted morale. Captain Aucho and forward Steven Mukwala were also late inclusions.
Group G standings ahead of Friday’s clash
1. Algeria – 15 points
2. Mozambique – 12 points
3. Botswana – 9 points
4. Uganda – 9 points
5. Guinea – 7 points
6. Somalia – 1 point
With both nations eyeing Algeria at the top, this clash at Namboole could be the defining moment in Uganda’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Uganda will remain at Namboole for their next outing, facing Somalia on Monday, September 8, for match day eight.
