Mandela National Stadium transformed into a stage of glory on Friday night as the Uganda Cranes reignited their World Cup ambitions with a dazzling 4-0 triumph over Mozambique, witnessed by nearly 35,000 thunderous fans.
What began as a cagey duel under Kampala’s humid skies quickly shifted into a masterclass after the interval.
The first half had Uganda probing but misfiring, their creativity stifled by Mozambique’s disciplined shape.
The visitors seemed content to absorb pressure, but the dam eventually burst in spectacular fashion.
Rogers Mato set the tone with a clinical brace, each strike more venomous than the last, ripping through Mozambique’s fragile defense.
Allan Okello then unleashed a rocket that electrified the stadium, his thunderbolt leaving the Mambas’ goalkeeper stranded.
The finishing flourish came from defender Elio Capradossi, who bundled in the fourth to complete the statement victory.
From then on, Mozambique collapsed, their earlier resilience crumbling under the Cranes’ relentless tempo and high-energy pressing.
With the home crowd in full voice, Uganda’s momentum only swelled, turning the night into a celebration of dominance.
The emphatic result catapults the Cranes to second place in Group G, level on 12 points with Mozambique but ahead on goal difference.
Joseph Paul Put’s men will not have long to bask in glory, they return to action on Monday against Somalia at the same fortress, where belief is now soaring higher than ever.
