2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Uganda 4-0 Mozambique
Under the floodlights of Mandela National Stadium and in front of nearly 35,000 roaring fans, the Uganda Cranes delivered a stunning second-half performance to crush Mozambique 4-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday night.
The atmosphere was electric, the hybrid grass still damp from an earlier drizzle, and the stakes could not have been higher.
After a tense first half marked by missed chances and wasteful finishing, Joseph Paul Put’s men returned from the break transformed and what followed was pure dominance.
Rogers Mato stole the show with a clinical brace, punishing Mozambique’s shaky defense with pace and precision.
Allan Okello sent the stadium into chaos with a thunderous strike that left the goalkeeper stranded, before defender Elio Capradossi bundled in the fourth to seal a memorable win.
“This is the performance we’ve been working for,” said head coach Put, his pride evident.
“I told the players too about the story of the girlfriend, I am very happy they delivered. However I was surprised the stadium was not filled”
Mozambique had looked organised in the first half, frustrating the Cranes with compact defending and disciplined shape.
But once the opener went in, the visitors collapsed. Uganda’s pressing, quick passing, and relentless energy proved too much for the Mambas, who faded badly in the closing stages.
The victory not only avenges Uganda’s 3-1 defeat in the first leg but also breathes new life into their World Cup qualifying campaign.
With belief restored, the Cranes are back in the hunt for a place on football’s biggest stage.
As the final whistle blew, the stands erupted in song. Uganda will be back in action on Monday when they face Somalia at the same venue.
