The Uganda Cranes are gearing up for an essential FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Mozambique, set to take place on Wednesday, 20th March 2025, at the Cairo International Stadium. Ahead of the highly anticipated match, Head Coach Paul Put and team captain Aucho Khalid have voiced confidence in the squad’s preparation and readiness to fight for the crucial three points.
Despite the challenge of assembling the squad, Coach Put expressed optimism about the team’s morale and training performance. “I think we all know when we make a call-up and we’re going to start the preparation that it’s always difficult to find all your players at the same time,” he said. “It’s not only for Uganda; it could be for other teams as well, but it’s not always easy. But I received the players little by little, and I think the spirit is quite okay.”
Put praised the team’s work ethic and mentality during training, highlighting the importance of the upcoming fixture. “What I saw on the training ground, I was very happy about their performance, about their mentality, and I think it will be important for the game,” he shared. “If you want to be dominant in your ranking, every game is important. We know that Mozambique is three points ahead of us, so it is always an important game.”
As the World Cup qualification campaign intensifies, Coach Put emphasized the need for players to rise to the occasion, acknowledging the challenges of playing away. “If you have ambition, if you want really to get good results, then you have to see what you can do. Away games are always a difficult thing, but I think that my players will understand that for us, it’s a very important game, but for Mozambique, it’s also an important game.”
In agreement with his coach, Captain Aucho Khalid reassured fans that the squad was in top condition and ready for the challenge. “The boys are fine, and everyone is in good condition. They are motivated and are ready to fight for their nation and are getting what the coaches are telling them,” he said.
Aucho also called on fans, particularly those in Egypt, to turn up and support the team in large numbers. “I know we have several fans here in Egypt. We call upon you so that you can come and support us tomorrow as we take on Mozambique. We shall be happy to see you tomorrow.”
Reflecting on the team’s shift in focus from the recent AFCON qualifiers, Aucho made it clear that the squad was fully committed to the World Cup qualifiers. “We finished the qualifiers for AFCON, so now our focus is on the World Cup qualifier, and the boys are ready to get a new challenge because it’s a World Cup qualifier and it’s also a big competition. So I think we are ready for that, and the boys are ready for it,” he stated.
Although the Cranes are playing away, Aucho remains confident in the team’s ability to perform. “Sometimes football is different. You can play at home and you don’t win, and you can play away and you win. So I think yes, they are away, but I think they are at home.”
With a squad full of determined players, including Watenga Isima, Alionzi Nafian, Awany Timothy, Kizito Gavin, and many more, the Uganda Cranes are focused on securing a crucial victory against Mozambique as they aim to advance in the 2026 World Cup qualification race.
Fans can expect a thrilling encounter, and the team remains determined to rise to the occasion as they fight for national pride and a spot in the prestigious global tournament.
