Mozambique defeated Uganda 3-1 at the Cairo Stadium on Thursday, securing the top spot in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With two goals from Pepo and a late goal from Stanley Ratifo shortly before halftime, the Mambas secured all three points with a dominant first-half performance.

The Cranes faced an uphill task with Denis Omedi’s red card prior to halftime, although Uganda’s Muhammad Shaban had momentarily restored parity early on.

The outcome puts Mozambique three points ahead of Algeria, who must defeat Botswana on Friday to stay in the group.

With six points apiece, Uganda is level with Botswana and Guinea for third place. Pepo excels as Mozambique seizes the initiative.

Mozambique quickly established their superiority, with Pepo scoring the first goal in the fourth minute by taking advantage of defensive hesitancy to slide the ball in.

But Uganda reacted quickly, as Shaban equalised with a well-placed shot inside the area in the seventh minute.

But the Mambas kept setting the pace and took the lead again in the seventeenth minute.

Mozambique’s grasp on the game was further strengthened when Uganda’s goalie made a mistake that allowed Pepo to jump on a loose ball and score his second goal of the game.

Uganda’s situation worsened when Omedi was given two yellow cards in five minutes (34′, 39′), leaving his team with just ten men.