Onyango supports Watenga after errors in Uganda’s 3-1 loss to Mozambique

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Group G

Thursday

Mozambique 3 Uganda 1

Tuesday, at Namboole Stadium (7PM)

Uganda v Guinea

Former Uganda Cranes captain and legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango has publicly rallied behind current goalkeeper Ismail Watenga following a challenging performance in Uganda’s 3-1 defeat to Mozambique in their Group G FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday at Cairo International Stadium, Egypt.

In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Onyango offered Watenga words of encouragement and advice on how to recover from setbacks.

“Mistakes happen, Ismail Watenga. Even the best goalkeepers in the world have made massive errors. The difference? They don’t let those mistakes define them. As a goalkeeper, you live under a microscope—I can tell you that. One mistake, and all eyes are on you. But listen carefully: The mistake is not what matters. It’s how you respond that defines you,” Onyango wrote.

He continued, “So, here’s how you bounce back fast: Own it. No excuses, no blame—just accept it and move on. You are human, it happens. Reset your mind, take a deep breath, exhale the mistake, and focus on the next play. The game is not over. Stand tall. Your body language speaks volumes. Show confidence, and your teammates will trust you again. Stick to the basics. Do not try to make up for the mistake with risky decisions. Play solidly, play smart. The best goalkeepers do not just recover—they come back even stronger. Learn from it and grow.”

Onyango’s support came after Watenga faced heavy criticism, particularly on social media, for a first-half performance riddled with costly errors. Mozambique capitalized on these mistakes, scoring twice early in the match.

The first goal came in the 3rd minute when Watenga misjudged a corner kick from Pepo Santos, deflecting it into his own net due to poor positioning. The second goal followed in the 15th minute, as he carelessly parried a cross into the path of Santos, who calmly slotted in Mozambique’s second goal.

Watenga’s overall first-half performance was underwhelming, marked by poor positioning, decision-making, and game reading. As a result, Uganda’s head coach substituted him at halftime, bringing in Alionzi Nafian to stabilize the defense.

However, Uganda’s struggles extended beyond Watenga. Defensive lapses played a significant role in the defeat, including a costly misjudgment by experienced defender Bevis Mugabi. In the 47th minute, Mugabi failed to read a through ball from Mozambique’s midfield, allowing Stanley Ratifo to race past him and score Mozambique’s third goal past a helpless Watenga.

Uganda’s woes were compounded in the 36th minute when Denis Omedi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless tackle, reducing the Cranes to 10 men. Despite Muhammad Shaban pulling one goal back for Uganda, it was not enough to salvage even a point.

The team’s defensive setup also raised questions. The decision to pair Mugabi with Elio Capradossi as central defenders was questionable, as Capradossi had just returned from a long injury layoff, and both players are naturally right-footed, creating an imbalance in the backline.

In midfield, captain Khalid Aucho was left overrun, as Kenneth Semakula, who was expected to provide support, struggled while playing out of his natural position.

Uganda now shifts its focus to Tuesday’s crucial match against Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The Cranes will be desperate to bounce back, but their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico appear increasingly slim.

Mozambique and Algeria are currently the favorites to advance from Group G, with only the group winner securing a spot in the final tournament. As it stands, Mozambique leads the group with 12 points, followed by Algeria with nine. Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda each have six points, though Uganda and Mozambique have played five matches, while the others have played four.