Home Football Uganda Cranes face Mozambique in crucial Fifa World Cup qualifier

Uganda Cranes face Mozambique in crucial Fifa World Cup qualifier

by Jeremiah Mugalu
1 minutes read
  • Mozambique Vs Uganda – 4 PM

Uganda Cranes will take on Mozambique in a must-win encounter on Thursday, March 20, at the Cairo International Stadium.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier is crucial for both teams, as they battle for a top spot in Group G.

Current standings and stakes

Uganda sits second from the bottom in the group with six points, trailing Mozambique, who have nine.

With only the group winner earning automatic qualification and the best second-placed teams advancing to playoffs, Uganda must secure a positive result to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Mozambique, ranked 96th in FIFA rankings, has been impressive in the qualifiers, losing only to Algeria while defeating Botswana, Somalia, and Guinea.

Uganda, ranked 88th, has won against Somalia and Botswana but suffered setbacks against Guinea and Algeria.

Coach Paul Put’s optimism

Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, remains hopeful despite the challenge of playing away from home.

“What I saw on the training ground, I was very happy about their performance, about their mentality, and I think it will be important for the game,” Put said.

He acknowledged the difficulty of away games but emphasized the importance of securing points to stay competitive in the group.

Star players to watch

Uganda’s probable lineup includes key players such as:

  • Steven Mukwala – An on form sharp forward at Simba with the team and get some minutes to lead the attack.
  • Allan Okello – A creative playmaker who has been impressive at Club level with Vipers bagging a couple of goal and ability to unlock Mozambique’s defense.
  • Khalid Aucho – A strong midfield presence, crucial for Uganda’s stability.
  • Ismail Watenga – With a unknown defense partnership, the South Africa based, experienced goalkeeper will be vital in keeping Mozambique at bay.

Historic first meeting

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Uganda and Mozambique, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the clash.

Where to watch

The game will be broadcast live on FUFA TV and SuperSport Africa (DSTV) at 4 PM EAT.

What this means for Uganda

A win would see Uganda level on points with Mozambique, significantly boosting their qualification chances.

However, a defeat could make their World Cup dreams even more difficult.

With just a few games left in the campaign, every point is crucial.

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