Uganda will go into the Africa Cup of Nations group stage with the aim of qualifying for the second round despite the presence of Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania, the Cranes coach, Paul Put, has said.
Uganda is drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and regional rivals Tanzania with only two of the teams qualifying automatically for the second round of the championship.
The Cranes have qualified for the tournament just eight times in their history, and their most memorable run came in 1978 when they reached the final.
Under Paul Put’s leadership, Uganda aim to combine discipline, tactical balance and mental resolve to make a mark in North Africa.
Ahead of their December departure for Africa’s flagship football competition, the coach, in an interview with cafonline.com, laid out his preparation plan, opponent assessments, internal goals, and how he views the weight of expectation on the squad.
He said that his side’s two World Cup qualifiers early this month helped him to prepare for the AFCON, adding that they will play two more friendlies next month before entering a closed camp in Kampala early in December and thereafter fly to Rabat.
Uganda’s first game is against Tunisia on December 23.
Put dismissed the belief by some football followers that Group C belongs to Nigeria and Tunisia, adding that the Cranes will come up with means to scale the group stage hurdle.
“Nigeria are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad with top talent and European experience, while Tunisia are highly organised, technical, tactically astute. They are hard to break down but we will see,” he acknowledged, adding that their neighbours, Tanzania, are also good with a good mix of energy and familiarity, “regional derbies are never easy.
“We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves.
“Ideally, we want to advance. But first, we demand that our performances reflect modern football: balance, full of engagement in all phases, and consistency. If we can win respect among African heavyweights and secure knockout qualification, that’s a job well done.”
Put, whose team has adopted a clinical set-piece strategy, said, “We have worked on variation in delivery, timing, and defensive organisation.
“Many of our players already face pressure set-piece environments at club level, so we aim to bring that into AFCON. I believe they can be decisive.”
Put, who believes the presence of many Ugandan fans in Morocco would be an added advantage against the group opponents, said: “Our supporters are a backbone. Their energy, chants and belief travel with us. Even hundreds or thousands of travelling fans create a sense of “home away from home” and remind players of what they represent — a nation watching, hoping. We will dirty our boots for them.”
“I promise that Ugandan fans will see a Cranes side that plays with heart, unity, and pride. We will fight for every ball, respect the jersey, and leave everything on the field. We may face stronger opponents, but we won’t back down. Our aim is to represent Uganda with dignity, passion and purpose.”
