Mozambique moved to the top of Group G in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying from the African region after the Mambas secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday.
A thrilling start to the match saw the Mambas open the scoring in the 3rd minute. After a poor clearance from Uganda goalkeeper Isima Watenga resulted in a corner kick, Mozambique playmaker Pepo whipped his corner kick on goal and caught Watenga off guard for a stunning "Olimpico" goal.
The Cranes fought back a few minutes later when Allan Okello's free kick found Muhammad Shaban for a glancing header to level the match.
But the resistance was short lived from Uganda. Watenga's nightmare in goal continued when the Golden Arrows custodian spilled a low cross and Pepo was in the right place for an easy finish. The disaster for Uganda only gained more momentum when a careless foul from forward Denis Omedi saw the APR FC player sent off for a second yellow card.
The Mambas put the match out of reach just before halftime when a brilliant flick from Pepo found the run of striker Stanley Ratifo for a low finish past Watenga, who was humiliatingly substituted at halftime by Uganda coach Paul Put.
Mozambique spent most of the second half camped in the Ugandan half as the match relaxed to a more deliberate pace. 10-man Uganda crafted a couple of chances but could not find the goal they needed to apply pressure on their opponents. The win for Mozambique puts pressure on Algeria who must win to stay level on 12 points while Uganda drop points in a tight group.
Group G Table
GP | Points | |
Mozambique | 5 | 12 |
Algeria | 4 | 9 |
Botswana | 4 | 6 |
Guinea | 4 | 6 |
Uganda | 5 | 6 |
Somalia | 4 | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
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