The Cranes revived their qualification hopes on Friday with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique, overturning the 3-1 defeat they had suffered in Maputo earlier this year in the same qualifiers.
The emphatic victory propelled Uganda into second place in Group G on goal difference, keeping alive the dream of reaching the World Cup for the first time. Against Mozambique, Allan Okello broke the deadlock, before Rogers Mato doubled the advantage, and Travis Mutyaba added a third. Centre-back Elia Capradossi completed the scoring after rising to power home a set-piece.
Put has now urged his players to maintain the same level of intensity and precision when they face the Ocean Stars, who will come into the fixture having suffered a 3-0 defeat against Guinea in their matchday seven assignment at the same venue.
Put remains confident of win over Somalia
Speaking ahead of the game, Put revisited the victory against Mozambique: “If I show you the statistics from the game (against Mozambique), you would be surprised. The performance even betters some of the teams in Europe in terms of the level of energy generated, the ball distribution, and chances created.
“It was one of the best performances the team has had, and I am proud of the players. When the chances were created and the goals came, we grew in confidence. Now we must do the same against Somalia.”
His sentiments were echoed by Uganda captain Khalid Aucho, who, however, remained cautious against facing a Somalian side who are winless in their last seven matches.
“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,” offered Aucho. “We recovered well, everyone is in good condition, and we are ready. So we call upon fans to come in big numbers, better than the Mozambique game.”
The victory against Mozambique enabled Uganda to move second in Group G with 12 points, six fewer than table leaders Algeria. Mozambique remained third on 12 points, Guinea fourth on 10 points, Botswana fifth on nine points, while Somalia remain last with zero points.
According to statistics from the FUFA website, Uganda boast a perfect record against Somalia, winning all their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter came in March 2023 in Berkane, Morocco, where an early strike from Mato secured a 1-0 victory.
These matches come at a critical stage in the African qualifiers, which feature a group stage format. Teams are divided into groups, and each team plays home-and-away fixtures against their group rivals.
The top team in each group qualifies directly for the World Cup, the second round will pit the four best runners-up in two one-off semi-finals, followed by a final. The winner of this second round will participate in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
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