Mozambique’s national team, the Mambas, secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Uganda’s Cranes in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The match commenced with Mozambique asserting dominance early on. In the 3rd minute, forward Pepo Santos capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past Uganda’s goalkeeper, to open the scoring.
Four minutes later, Muhammad Shaban drew the visitors level in a fiercely contested opening minutes.
But the Mambas maintained their offensive pressure, and in the 16th minute, Santos showcased his striking prowess once more, restoring Mozambique’s lead with a well-placed shot.
Uganda’s challenges were compounded in the 33rd minute when forward Denis Omedi received a yellow card for a reckless challenge.
Just five minutes later, Omedi was shown a red card following another infringement, reducing Uganda to ten men and further tilting the match in Mozambique’s favour.
Seizing the opportunity, Stanley Ratifo scored in the 3rd minute of first half added time, sending Mozambique into halftime with a commanding 3-1 lead, with the game eventually ending like that.
This victory propels Mozambique to the top of Group G, amassing 12 points, three ahead of Algeria who have a game in hand, and enhancing their prospects for World Cup qualification.
Conversely, Uganda’s position becomes precarious, remaining fifth with six points.
