Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put and captain Khalid Aucho have expressed confidence ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mozambique at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The two sides are separated by just three points in Group G, with Mozambique second on 12 points and Uganda fourth on nine. With only four matches remaining, the fixture could prove decisive in shaping their chances of reaching the World Cup for the first time.
Put is banking on home advantage and the return of key players to inspire his side to victory, especially after Uganda fell 3-1 to Mozambique in the reverse fixture in March.
“We are complete since yesterday. We have been missing some players days back so it becomes difficult to prepare a team but I think the confidence in the team is now high,” Put said. “We are playing before our fans, we know we have to take revenge against Mozambique and if we want to be in the race then we know what we have to do.”
Aucho echoed his coach’s belief, pointing to squad unity and the blend of senior and young players. “We thank God all players are okay and the coaches have done a good job. We are all happy, motivated and ready for the game tomorrow,” he said. “I have never been under pressure with the national team. I am just always happy to guide the young ones because I was also guided by the senior players back then.”
Uganda revived their qualification hopes in March with a 1-0 win over Guinea at Namboole, thanks to Allan Okello’s first-half strike. They now sit level on nine points with Botswana, though behind on goal difference. Back-to-back home fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia are seen as crucial opportunities to close the gap on leaders Algeria, who top the group on 15 points.
Mozambique arrive in Kampala aiming to recover from a heavy 5-1 defeat to Algeria in their last qualifier. Chiquinho Conde’s side had previously beaten Uganda and Guinea but have struggled for consistency in recent months, including an early COSAFA Cup exit and a 2-0 friendly loss to South Africa in June.
The Cranes’ squad for September has been boosted by the return of experienced goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal, along with several players from the 2024 CHAN team. Aucho and forward Steven Mukwala also joined camp late, adding further strength to the squad.
Group G standings before Friday’s clash: Algeria 15, Mozambique 12, Botswana 9, Uganda 9, Guinea 7, Somalia 1.
Uganda will remain at Namboole for their next qualifier against Somalia on Monday, September 8.
