Goalkeeping mistakes haunt Uganda Cranes as World Cup hopes fade

Dennis Omedi was sent off in the first half as Uganda Cranes slumped to a 3-1 loss to Mozambique in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying on Thursday.

Omedi was sent off on 38 minutes with the Cranes trailing 2-1 after a flurry of early goals at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt.

Pepo Santos opened the scoring on three minutes with a smart finish but Muhammad Shabana restored parity for the visitors just four minutes later.

Pepo, however added a second goal as the home side dominated early.

His second goal on 16 minutes was a gift from Uganda goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, who spilled a cross. The poorly performing Ugandan keeper was replaced by Nafian Alionzi at halftime having conceded three goals.

Germany based Stanley Ratifo then added another goal in first half stoppage time to add to the lead to send the Mozambicans to the top of group G ahead of Algeria with 12 points from 5 matches.

Uganda have six points and are currently fifth on the log. Algeria have 9.

Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango backed Watenga to bounce back after the disastrous showing.

The Cranes goalie put up a no show in the game at the Cairo International stadium and was partly responsible for all three goals Cranes conceded before he was replaced.

“Mistakes happen Watenga. Even the best goalkeepers in the world have all made massive errors. Have made errors. The difference? They don’t let those mistakes define them,” Onyango, said on X.

The Ugandans host Guinea Tuesday in Kampala as they hope to resurrect their campaign.