Latest news with #Cranes'
CAF
31-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda coach Paul Put: 'We must believe in ourselves' ahead of tough group
Uganda head coach Paul Put has called on his players to seize the opportunity and prove themselves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, after the Cranes were drawn into Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. Following the draw, the Belgian tactician acknowledged the tough challenge ahead, facing Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON, and Tunisia, a consistent tournament performer, but insisted his team must believe in their ability to compete. With Uganda set to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, Put believes AFCON 2025 will serve as an important test for the team's growth and ambitions. 'We know there are no easy games in Africa,' Put said. 'We are facing Nigeria, the finalists in the last AFCON, and Tunisia, a stable country that always performs well and regularly reaches the quarter-finals. But I think we have to believe in ourselves and take this opportunity.' For Uganda, this marks their eighth appearance at the AFCON finals, having last featured in 2019, where they reached the Round of 16 before losing to Senegal. The Cranes' best-ever finish came in 1978, when they reached the final, losing to Ghana. Put emphasized that preparation and team shape will be crucial for Uganda's performance at the tournament, which kicks off on December 21, 2025. 'We have to prepare ourselves and be ready to play,' he said. 'We know that in 2027, we will be hosting the tournament, so this is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their talent and give something to the public of Uganda.' With East African rivals Tanzania also in Group C, the match between the two AFCON 2027 co-hosts will be one of the tournament's standout fixtures, as both nations seek regional supremacy on the continental stage. Uganda's AFCON history includes some iconic moments, such as their biggest victory, a 3-0 win over Morocco in 1978, and standout players like Phillip Omondi and Stanley Mubiru, who remain the team's all-time top scorers at AFCON with three goals each. While expectations may not be as high as Nigeria or Tunisia, Put remains optimistic that Uganda can make an impact and take valuable lessons from Morocco ahead of their historic role as tournament hosts in 2027. With a challenging group ahead, Uganda is determined to prove themselves on the continental stage, keeping an eye on both immediate success and long-term development.
CAF
30-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Put Reflects on Cranes' TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 Draw
Uganda's head coach, Paul Put has shared his thoughts on the Cranes' draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, where they will face tough opposition in Group C. Along with their East African counterparts Tanzania, Uganda - with whom they will co-host the 2027 edition, are set to go head-to-head with Tunisia and Nigeria, two teams with a rich history in African football. "We know there are no easy games in Africa," Put stated in response to the draw. "We are facing Nigeria, who were the finalists in the last AFCON. Tunisia, on the other hand, is a stable country always performing well and regularly reaching the quarter-finals. But I think we have to believe in ourselves and take this opportunity', said Put. The Belgian tactician emphasized that Uganda's success in the competition will depend on their preparation and the strength of their team's shape. "We have to prepare ourselves and be ready to play. We know that in 2027, we will be hosting the tournament, so this is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their talent and give something to the public of Uganda," he added. Uganda has a rich history in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, having made seven appearances in the prestigious tournament since their debut in 1962. Their best-ever finish came in 1978 when they reached the final, only to be beaten by Ghana. Despite the loss, their run to the final remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the country's footballing history. The Cranes' journey through the tournament has seen some memorable moments, including their biggest victory – a 3-0 win over Morocco in 1978 – and their biggest defeat, a heavy loss to Algeria in 1968. Throughout the years, players like Stanley Mubiru and Phillip Omondi have been key figures, both holding the title of the Cranes' all-time leading goal scorers with three goals each at the finals. As Uganda looks ahead to Morocco, the team will aim to build on their rich legacy and use their participation as a springboard for success, both in this tournament and as co-hosts of the 2027 edition. With a challenging group ahead, the Cranes are focused on proving themselves on the continental stage, all while keeping their eyes on the future.
