A spirited second half performance from the Uganda Cranes against Mozambique showed greater signs of what to expect on Tuesday when Guinea arrives in the country for the FIFA World cup qualifier at Namboole stadium.
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half, Uganda Cranes put up a determined fight but ultimately fell 3-1 to Mozambique as the damage had been done before the break at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.
The result sees Mozambique climb to the top of Group G with 12 points, while Uganda remains on six ahead of their crucial home tie against Guinea on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Namboole Stadium. Mozambique struck first in the third minute through Pepo Santos, who curled in an Olimpico goal directly from a corner kick past goalkeeper Isima Watenga.
However, Uganda responded swiftly, with Libya-based forward Muhammad Shaban rising highest to nod home Allan Okello’s well-delivered free kick, leveling the scoreline in the early stages. Mozambique restored their lead when Pepo grabbed his second, reacting quickest to a loose ball after Watenga had initially attempted to parry away a low cross from Gildo.
The game took a tough turn for Uganda in the 37th minute when striker Denis Omedi received his second yellow card for a challenge on Mozambique’s key attacker Geny Catamo, leaving the Cranes with a numerical disadvantage.
Before halftime, Stanley Ratifo extended Mozambique’s lead but Uganda came back stronger in the second half, determined to salvage something from the match.
Ethiopian-based goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi replaced Watenga at the break and Uganda nearly pulled one back when Allan Okello rattled the crossbar after a smart layoff from Elvis Bwomono.
Head coach Paul Put introduced fresh legs, including Ronald Ssekiganda and Steven Mukwala, in search of a breakthrough.
Despite Mozambique’s defensive resilience, Uganda kept pressing with captain Khalid Aucho seeing a thunderous effort denied by goalkeeper Ernani.
In the dying minutes, Jude Ssemugabi was inches away from reducing the deficit but his goal-bound effort was blocked for a corner kick.
Despite the loss, Uganda Cranes showed heart and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting encounter against Guinea at home on Tuesday.
With qualification hopes still alive, the Cranes will look to bounce back stronger in front of their home fans.