Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has thrown down the gauntlet to his players, urging them to replicate the hunger and sharpness that tore apart Mozambique as they gear up for another must-win clash against Somalia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Cranes, who blew away Mozambique 4-0 under the floodlights at Namboole on Friday, reignited their qualification dream in emphatic style.
That victory not only avenged their earlier 3-1 defeat in Maputo but also lifted Uganda into second place in Group G on goal difference, keeping the long-awaited World Cup debut within sight.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s showdown, Coach Put hailed the Mozambique triumph as one of the finest performances since he took charge, highlighting the team’s discipline, energy, and ruthless execution.
“If I show you the statistics from that game, you would be amazed. In terms of intensity, ball circulation, and chance creation, the team performed at a level that rivals some European sides,” Put remarked. “It was a proud moment, but now we must carry that same fire into the Somalia match.”
Captain Khalid Aucho echoed his coach’s sentiments but warned against overconfidence. Despite Somalia’s poor record in the qualifiers, Aucho stressed the unpredictability of East African derbies.
“This is a derby, there are no small teams in Africa. Anyone can shock you,” Aucho cautioned. “We’re at home, and the focus is on collecting maximum points. We urge fans to fill Namboole in even bigger numbers than they did against Mozambique.”
All eyes will once again be on red-hot forward Rogers Mato, Uganda’s leading marksman in the qualifiers with three goals.
The speedy attacker, who netted twice in the demolition of Mozambique, will be central to unlocking Somalia’s defense.
Uganda have dominated this fixture, winning all their last five encounters against Somalia.
Their most recent meeting came in March 2023, when Mato’s early strike sealed a 1-0 victory in Berkane.
Group G remains on a knife-edge. Algeria are runaway leaders with a six-point cushion, but the race for the playoff berth is fierce.
Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, and Botswana are separated by just three points.
Somalia, with only one point from seven outings, are already eliminated, but the Ocean Stars head into the clash with nothing to lose—and every reason to try and derail Uganda’s campaign.
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