Namboole, Kampala: Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has challenged his charges to replicate the ruthless performance that humbled Mozambique as the East African soccer giants take on Somalia on Monday, September 8, in a must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The Cranes revived their qualification hopes with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Friday, overturning the 3-1 defeat suffered in Maputo earlier this year. The result lifted the Cranes into second place in Group G on goal difference, keeping alive their push for a historic World Cup appearance.
Addressing the media during the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Coach Put said the Cranes’ display against Mozambique was one of the finest he has overseen and urged his players to maintain the same intensity against the Ocean Stars.
“If I show you the statistics from today’s game, you would be surprised. The performance even betters some of the teams in Europe in terms of the level of energies generated, the ball distribution, and chances created.
“I agree it is one of the best performances the team has had, and I am proud of the players. I want to thank the players because we wanted to start on a strong note, and we did exactly that,” he added. “The chances were created, and when the goals started coming, we grew in confidence and eventually managed to get a result.”
Captain Khalid Aucho, speaking at the same presser, warned against complacency, stressing that East African derbies can be unpredictable despite Somalia’s struggles.
“This is a derby, and in Africa, there is no big or small team. Everyone wants to win. The good thing is we are at home, and all we want is three points,” Aucho said, urging fans to fill Namboole in even greater numbers than against Mozambique.
Rogers Mato, the Cranes’ top scorer in qualifying with three goals, is the player to watch out for as he is in scintillating form, having netted twice against Mozambique. He will be key to unlocking Somalia’s defence in the Monday evening fixture.
Head-to-Head
Uganda boast a perfect record against Somalia, winning all their last five encounters, including a narrow 1-0 victory in Berkane in March 2023 courtesy of an early Rogers Mato strike.
With the group winner earning direct qualification and the runners-up eyeing a playoff route, Monday’s clash at Namboole is another do-or-die contest for the Cranes on the long road to 2026.
Algeria remain six points clear at the summit, but the race for the playoff spot is delicately poised, with Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, and Botswana separated by just three points. Somalia, meanwhile, have been eliminated after collecting a single point from seven matches.
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