2026 FIFA WORLD CUP Q: Uganda Defeat Mozambique to Keep World Cup Hope Alive.

Allan Okello, Rogers Mato and Ellio Carporodosi scored for Uganda Cranes in 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier group G match played on Friday night at Mandela National Stadium Namboole.

The sweet revange for the Cranes that lost 3-1 away from home, elevated them to second position with 12 points 6 behind leaders Algeria that are close to securing a place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in United States, while Canada and Mexico will be the auxiliary hosts. 

Allan Okello, opened the scoring quick in the second half (48th minute) with a cracker from 35 yards, then Electric winger Rogers Mato doubled the lead with a well crafted effort that found the left corner of the net in the 70th minute.

Mato who had a disappointing first half in regards to delivery and decision making, put the game out of the reach for the visitors with his second on the day and third for the Cranes in the 84th minute when his half volley inside the 18 yard box beat Goalkeeper Ivan Irrubal

Central defender Ellio Carporodosi put the icing on the cake with the 4th goal for the Cranes and his first international goal in the 93rd minute of added time.

Selfishness among Cranes Forwards;

Alot could be easily be covered by the 4-0 win, or easily be forgotten of what transpired during the game, but the selfishness among the Cranes forwards; Steven Desse Mukwala, that started as the target man, and two wide men Mato and Ssemugabi could easily go unnoticed as everyone prefers self-interest first than team objective.

Mukwala got a first opportunity and. When the angel narrowed, he could have squared the ball to either Okello or Mato who were well positioned in the 45 angle but decided to force in a tight angle for a side net.

Jude Ssemugabi in the second half with his speedy and ability beat his marker but instead of laying up for Mato to tap in an empty net, he decided to go for a shot.

Mato was at two occasions in match, where finding a teammate would be the best option but decided to go for goal himself.

However, with the campaign on-going, Uganda will host Somalia, Algeria will travel to Guinea and Botswana will visit wounded Mozambique on Monday 8th in Game day 8.

Uganda last three games;

Uganda Vs Somalia
Botswana Vs Uganda
Algeria Vs Ugabsa

As Group G stands

Algeria are leading the table with 18 points, Uganda second placed with 12 points, Mozambique, Guinea, Botswana and Somalia.

Qualification procedure;
Only the nine group winners are guaranteed a spot at the finals next year, with the four best-placed runners-up entering play-offs in November for a second chance to qualify via an intercontinental route.

Uganda Cranes XI
Salim Jamal, Elvis Bwomono, Aziz Kayondo, John Obita, Elvis Carporodosi, Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Allan Okello, Jude Ssemugabi, Stephen Mukwala, Rogers Mato

Substitutes
Dennis Onyango, Joel Mutakubwa, Joel Serunjongi, Uche Mubiru, Travis Mutyaba, Joseph Mpande, Reagan Mpande Patrick Jona Kakande Hebert Achai Gavin Kizito, Torach Rogers Sibbick Peter Ronald Ssekiganda

Mozambique XI
Ivane Urrubal, Diogo Cabral, Edison Sitore, Bruno Langa, Mandava Reinildo, Amade Alfonso, Santos Pedro, Gatamo Geny, Quembo Witiness, Ratifo Stanley, Ricardo Gurimares

Substitutes
Siluane Ernan, Cherene Oscar, Manuel Kambala, Abdallah Keynes, Zavala Khemis,Bangal Faisal, Cantolo Angelo, Chambucho Fenando, John Feleciano, Alexandre Melcue, Fransisco Muchanga