Uganda Cranes succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Mozambique on day five of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday evening.
Pedro Santos (brace) and Stanley Ratifo were on target for the Mambas while returning Muhammad Shaban netted the only consolation for 10-man Uganda.
Mozambicans broke the deadlock in the 3rd minute, Caldas midfielder Santos with a stunning strike from a direct corner kick to beat Cranes custodian Isima Watenga.
Four minutes later, Uganda responded back in quick succession through Shaban, heading home from a beautiful delivery by Allan Okello.
Santos restored the lead for Mozambique in the 16th minute after Watenga failing to push away Gildo’s lay-off with massive effort in the forbidden area.
Uganda’s problems escalated on the day after Denis Omendi was sent off in the 38th minute for a second bookable offence following a challenge on Geny Gatamo.
Heading into the break, Chemie forward Ratifo increased the numerical advantage to 3-1 in additional minutes of the first stanza.
Paul Put introduced Nafian Alonzi in the posts on return who didn’t concede, with Guima and Gilda coming close to firing more for the Mambas.
The best opportunities for the visitors were from Allan Okello whose shot rafted the post and Aucho attempt towards the end that was denied by Ernan.
The victory moved Mozambique top of the standings in group G on 12 points while Uganda stayed 5th on 6 six points. Conde’s side play Algeria next as Uganda host Guinea in Kampala.
