Seven months into Paul Put’s reign as the Uganda Cranes coach, there is new hope and confidence in the national team’s rebuild.
That and more was seen in the recent two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Botswana and Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
After the 1-0 victory against Botswana, Ugandans flooded Namboole with the hope of killing off wounded Desert Foxes. Travis Mutyaba’s early goal lit up the crowd, but later on, the tables changed as the visitors scored two goals in the second half.
Surprisingly, even after the loss, Ugandans applauded the boys because of the great fight staged against the Desert Foxes under the floodlights.
Looking at the recent games, the team is on the right path and the 68-year-old gaffer believes the team will pick lessons that will be helpful in the journey from now on.
“I think we did well in the first half because I think we were more dangerous than Algeria. However, we were missing experience in the team,” he stated.
“The loss on Monday gives us a number of lessons to take home. Playing against big teams creates confidence, and I know we shall keep improving as a team,” he added.
“We shall go back and analyse so that we know what exactly we have to ask the players to improve while on the other hand, we can only appreciate them for the good things done.”
The gaffer also credited the fans for turning up in big numbers and further asked them to keep behind the team during this rebuilding process.
“I am so sorry that we did not win or draw against Algeria, but I appreciate all of you (fans) for turning up in high numbers. I ask you to keep supporting the team during this process,” he concluded.
After the four games played, Uganda Cranes have six points after two wins (Somalia and Botswana) and two losses (Guinea and Algeria).
Uganda Cranes return to action on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, as they visit Mozambique on the fifth matchday of the ongoing qualifiers.
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