Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put and captain Khalid Aucho have expressed confidence ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mozambique at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda sits fourth in Group G with nine points, three behind second-placed Mozambique. With only four games left, victory could be vital in keeping the Cranes’ hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearance alive.
The Cranes lost 3-1 to Mozambique in March, but Put believes playing at home gives his side the upper hand.
“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. I am confident in my players.”
Skipper Khalid Aucho echoed his coach’s optimism, stressing togetherness and experience as key.
“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,” Aucho said.
“I am always happy to guide the young ones because I was also guided by senior players back then. I feel confident and great to be in this mix.”
Uganda revived their campaign in March with a 1-0 win over Guinea, bouncing back from defeats to Algeria and Mozambique. They now sit level on points with Botswana but behind on goal difference.
The Cranes will play back-to-back home fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia, offering a chance to climb the table. Algeria currently lead the group with 15 points, followed by Mozambique on 12.
Mozambique enter the tie looking to recover from a 5-1 defeat to Algeria. While they previously beat Uganda in Maputo, recent results, including a COSAFA Cup group-stage exit and a friendly loss to South Africa, have exposed vulnerabilities.
Uganda’s squad has been strengthened by the return of experienced goalkeepers Denis Onyango and Salim Jamal, alongside 11 players from the 2024 CHAN team, led by Allan Okello. Aucho and striker Steven Mukwala also join the fold, adding leadership and attacking options.
