20 March 2025 | Football

• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Result
• Mozambique 3-1 Uganda

Mozambique secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

Santos Pedro opened the scoring for the hosts in spectacular fashion, curling a direct corner kick into the net after noticing Uganda Cranes' goalkeeper Ismail Watenga was off his line.

Uganda responded quickly, with Muhammad Shaban levelling the score in the 7th minute. Shaban capitalized on Allan Okello’s pinpoint delivery, tapping the ball into the net.

However, Mozambique regained their lead in the 15th minute when Pedro pounced on another error from Watenga, slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Uganda's troubles deepened in the 38th minute when Denis Omedi received a second yellow card, reducing the Cranes to 10 men.

Just before halftime, Mozambique nearly extended their lead as Geny Catamo’s effort from a tight angle narrowly missed the target.

Moments later, Stanley Ratifo made it 3-1, driving home a low shot after another lapse in Uganda’s defence.

At the start of the second half, Uganda’s coach Paul Put made a bold decision, substituting Watenga for Nafian Alionzi.

Uganda came close to reducing the deficit in the 60th minute when Allan Okello’s powerful strike rattled the crossbar.

In an attempt to turn the game around, Put introduced Steven Mukwala and Ronald Ssekiganda, replacing Jude Ssemugabi and Elvis Bwomono.

Ten minutes later, Khalid Aucho tested Mozambique’s goalkeeper with a thunderous half-volley, but his effort was expertly parried away.

Uganda will look to bounce back when they face Guinea on Tuesday, March 25, at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

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