UPL star Okello leads Uganda’s rout of Mozambique

Uganda Premier League (UPL) star, Allan Okello of Vipers SC, was on song on Friday as the Cranes produced a commanding second-half performance to defeat Mozambique 4-0 at the Mandela National Stadium, moving level on points with Mozambique in Group G of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Okello opened the scoring in the 48th minute, finishing a flowing move with Jude Ssemugabi from 30 yards to beat goalkeeper Ivane Urrubal and send the over 30,000 fans into ecstasy.

Rogers Mato added two further goals in the 70th and 84th minutes, before Mozambique’s Feliciano Joao Jone turned an Elio Capradossi effort into his own net in stoppage time.

Salim Jamal started in goal, making a few routine saves. A solid defensive line, including debutant John Obita alongside Capradossi, full-backs Elvis Bwomono and Aziz Kayondo, and Kenneth Ssemakula shielding captain Khalid Aucho, ensured Mozambique were restricted to sporadic threats.

Okello orchestrated Uganda’s attacks from midfield, linking play to Mato on the left, Ssemugabi on the right, and Mukwala upfront. Late substitutions saw English-born striker Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu make his debut, with Joseph Mpande and Travis Mutyaba also coming on.

Uganda’s win moves them to 12 points, level with Mozambique but ahead on goal difference. Algeria remain Group G leaders on 18 points following a 3–1 win over Botswana, while Guinea defeated Somalia 3–0 earlier on Friday.

Uganda’s next fixtures are at home to Somalia on Monday, September 8 (7pm), before trips to Botswana and Algeria in October (exact dates TBD).

FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (CAF) – Group G

Matchday 7 – Results

Algeria 3–1 Botswana
Guinea 3–0 Somalia
Uganda 4–0 Mozambique

Group G Table (after Matchday 7)

Algeria 18 pts
Uganda 12 pts (GD +3)
Mozambique 12 pts (GD -5)
Guinea 10 pts
Botswana 9 pts
Somalia 1 pt