- Mozambique 3-0 Uganda
On a warm evening in Cairo, Mozambique’s Mambas put on a clinical display, capitalizing on Uganda Cranes’ defensive frailties to secure a 3-1 victory that sent them to the top of Group G in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
A match that began with thrilling intensity soon turned into a nightmare for the Cranes, as costly mistakes and ill-discipline left them with a mountain too steep to climb.
From the very first whistle, Mozambique showed their intent. Just three minutes in, Uganda’s goalkeeper Isima Watenga made a costly error, his poor clearance leading to an early corner kick.
Mozambique’s playmaker, Pepo, stepped up and delivered a wicked inswinging corner that caught Watenga off guard, curling directly into the net for an incredible Olimpico goal. The Mambas had drawn first blood, and the Ugandan defence already looked shaky.
Uganda, however, showed glimpses of resilience. In the 10th minute, a well-placed free kick from Allan Okello found the head of Muhammad Shaban, whose glancing effort nestled into the net to bring the game level. For a brief moment, it seemed like the Cranes had steadied themselves.
But Uganda’s defensive struggles were far from over. Watenga, already unsettled by his earlier mistake, suffered another horror moment.
A routine low cross should have been an easy collection, but the Golden Arrows shot-stopper fumbled the ball right into the path of Pepo, who gladly tapped it in for his second goal of the night. Mozambique was back in front, and Uganda’s frustration began to boil over.
That frustration turned into disaster in the 35th minute when forward Denis Omedi recklessly lunged into a tackle, picking up a second yellow card. His dismissal left Uganda down to 10 men, and their hopes of a comeback started to fade.
Mozambique made sure to take full advantage. Just before halftime, Pepo turned provider, flicking a clever pass into the path of Stanley Ratifo, who coolly slotted past Watenga.
The Ugandan goalkeeper, enduring a night to forget, was substituted at halftime by coach Paul Put in a desperate attempt to stem the bleeding.
With a comfortable lead and a numerical advantage, Mozambique dictated the pace of the second half. They spent long spells camped in Uganda’s half, patiently probing for more openings.
The Cranes, despite their struggles, managed to carve out a couple of half-chances, but they lacked the cutting edge to mount a serious comeback.
In the end, Mozambique’s disciplined performance and Uganda’s costly errors told the story. The Mambas’ victory sees them rise to 12 points, piling pressure on Algeria, who must now win to stay level at the top. For Uganda, the loss leaves them with an uphill battle in a highly competitive group.
Uganda will be back in action on Tuesday 25 March when they face Guinea at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
