Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has urged his players to reproduce the intensity and precision that dismantled Mozambique as they prepare to face Somalia in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Namboole Mandela National Stadium on Monday.
The Cranes reignited their campaign on Friday with a 4-0 win over Mozambique, a result that not only avenged their earlier 3-1 defeat in Maputo but also lifted them into second place in Group G on goal difference.
With Algeria firmly in control at the top, the battle for the playoff spot remains wide open, with Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, and Botswana separated by just three points.
Speaking on Sunday, Put described the Mozambique performance as the best he has overseen since taking charge, highlighting the team’s energy levels and sharp execution.
“If I show you the statistics from today’s game, you would be surprised. The performance even betters some of the teams in Europe in terms of the level of energies generated, the ball distribution, and chances created,” Put said. “It was one of the best performances the team has had, and I am proud of the players. Now we must do the same against Somalia.”
Captain Khalid Aucho warned against complacency, stressing that local derbies can be unpredictable despite Somalia’s poor record in the qualifiers.
“This is a derby, and in Africa there is no big or small team. Everyone wants to win. The good thing is we are at home, and all we want is three points,” Aucho said. “We recovered well, everyone is in good condition, and we are ready. So we call upon fans to come in big numbers better than the Mozambique game.”
Rogers Mato, Uganda’s top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals, will again be central to the attack.
The forward is in fine form, scoring twice in the victory over Mozambique and also netting the winner in Uganda’s last meeting with Somalia in March 2023.
Uganda have won all their last five encounters with Somalia, who sit bottom of the group with a single point from seven matches and are already out of contention. But for the Ocean Stars, pride and the chance to spoil Uganda’s campaign remain strong motivators.
With the group winner advancing directly to the World Cup and the second-placed team still in with a playoff chance, the stakes for Uganda could not be higher.
