Uganda Cranes soar to 4-0 victory over Mozambique in FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Mozambique’s dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup is slipping away. On the road this Friday, the Mambas suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Uganda.
The Uganda Cranes delivered a stunning performance, crushing Mozambique 4-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Under the guidance of coach Chiquinho Conde, Mozambique held firm in the first half, heading into the break with a goalless draw. But after the restart, Uganda seized control of the match. Okello broke the deadlock with a stunning strike before Mato bagged a brace, ruthlessly exploiting the weaknesses in the Mozambican defense.
Uganda Cranes celebrate one of the goals against Mozambique.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Uganda Cranes Allan Okello celebrates after Scoring one of the goals against Mozambique.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Mato Kassim Rogers is seen shortly after being injured.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Rogers Mato stole the show with a clinical brace, punishing Mozambique’s shaky defense with pace and precision.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Mato Kassim Rogers celebrates his after stealing the show with a clinical brace, punishing Mozambique’s shaky defense with pace and precision.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The match, played under the floodlights in front of a moderate attending roaring fans, saw Uganda dominate the second half with a clinical display of pace and precision.
After a tense first half marked by missed chances and wasteful finishing, Joseph Paul Put’s men returned from the break transformed.
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.
Mozambique had looked looked solid and better in the first half, frustrating the Cranes with compact defending and disciplined shape.
However, 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, seeking to build on their momentum and make a strong statement in the qualifiers.
In the dying moments of the match, Capradossi added to the tally, sealing a resounding victory for the Cranes. With this defeat, Mozambique’s path to the World Cup becomes even more uncertain. The upcoming fixtures will be decisive in keeping their slim hopes of qualification alive.
0-3 Guinea 
1-3 Gambia 
1-4 DR Congo 
1-2 Malawi 
4-0 Mozambique 
1-0 Zimbabwe 
1-1 Tanzania 
0-6 Burkina Faso 
0-3 South Africa 
2-0 Togo 
2-0 Sudan 
5-0 Niger 
1-0 Burundi 
2-0 Ethiopia 
