Latest news with #Cranes'
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Five Cranes Flying High: Uganda's stars leading TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 charge
Uganda's journey at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 has been a story of resilience, revival, and rising belief. After opening their campaign with a sobering 3–0 defeat to Algeria in Kampala, the Cranes responded like a team on a mission, producing back-to-back wins that have reignited their hopes of a historic run. A 3–0 victory over Guinea was followed by a 2–0 triumph against Niger at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, lifting them to the top of their group and within touching distance of the quarter-finals. Their success has been built on tactical discipline, high-intensity pressing, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal. While the collective unit has been impressive, certain individuals have emerged as the driving force behind Uganda's turnaround. From commanding leadership in goal to creativity in midfield and composure in defence, these five players have been the heartbeat of a team determined to make their mark on home soil. Joel Mutakubwa – The Commanding Captain As captain and goalkeeper, Mutakubwa has been both the voice and the backbone of this Uganda side. Even in the defeat to Algeria, his key saves prevented the scoreline from being more damaging. Against Guinea, he marshalled the defence superbly, handling aerial threats with authority. His standout display came versus Niger, where decisive interventions – including a crucial save from a close-range header – earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award. Two consecutive clean sheets underline his value as both a leader and a shot-stopper. Allan Okello – The Midfield Orchestrator Okello's influence on the Cranes' resurgence cannot be overstated. Against Guinea, he ran the show from midfield, converting a penalty and dictating the tempo with precision. In the Niger clash, his resilience shone through – bouncing back from a missed penalty to score a fine header and later providing the assist for the second goal. His ability to control games, create chances, and deliver in key moments has made him the team's creative heartbeat. Reagan Mpande – The Relentless Engine Mpande has been the vital link between defence and attack, blending tireless running with intelligent positioning. His powerful header opened the scoring against Guinea, breaking the deadlock in a potentially tense contest. Versus Niger, his aggressive pressing forced mistakes, and it was his determination that won the foul leading to a penalty. Even when not on the scoresheet, his influence is felt in Uganda's control of midfield battles. Joel Sserunjogi – The Wing Menace Dynamic and direct, Sserunjogi has been a constant headache for opposing full-backs. His pace and work rate shone against Guinea, where he set up the opener and worked tirelessly in both attack and defence. Against Niger, he sealed the victory with a thunderous strike after linking up with Okello. Despite being suspended for the next match due to yellow card accumulation, his impact on Uganda's campaign so far has been immense. Hilary Mukundane – The Rock at the Back Mukundane is the Cranes' silent enforcer, excelling in the less glamorous but vital aspects of defending. Positionally disciplined and strong in the air, he has ensured the backline remains organised and difficult to breach. His leadership in defensive situations has allowed the full-backs to join attacks without fear of leaving gaps. Two clean sheets in as many games are a testament to his influence in shutting down opposition threats. Looking Ahead With momentum firmly on their side, Uganda now have the confidence and structure to push for a place among the continent's elite at CHAN 2024. These five standout performers have set the standard – combining experience, energy, and execution – and their continued influence could see the Cranes soar to new heights on home soil.
CAF
05-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda coach Byekwaso admits pressure and anxiety cost them against Algeria
Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso admitted his side buckled under pressure as they fell to a humbling 3–0 defeat to Algeria in front of their home fans in the opening Group C match of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024. The Cranes were outclassed from the outset, conceding three goals and struggling to cope with Algeria's sharp attacking play and compact structure during Monday's game. For Byekwaso, the performance revealed both mental and tactical shortcomings. 'We came in to give our best, but we failed in our defensive block and paid the price,' he said after the final whistle. 'The team was anxious. We couldn't launch transitions, and the pressure was a decisive factor in the loss.' Uganda's defensive organisation crumbled early, with Ayoub Ghezala scoring from a set-piece. Further goals from Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid compounded the Cranes' misery. Despite a few promising moves, Uganda failed to convert their chances or match Algeria's technical discipline. 'After the first goal, we collapsed emotionally. We missed chances, lost the ball cheaply, and failed to manage the game,' Byekwaso admitted. 'I believe we have good players. Now we must recover mentally, accept our mistakes, and work to improve before the next game.' The coach acknowledged glaring issues, particularly in transition, aerial duels, and midfield control. Despite having a tall squad, Uganda lost most headers and struggled to retain possession under pressure. 'The midfield lacked control, and we were too stretched. We need to tighten up and keep things simple,' he explained. Still, Byekwaso insists the tournament is not over for his team. With two games left in the group stage, he believes Uganda can still qualify — but only if they correct their flaws quickly. 'We'll talk to the players. We need more control of the game and must strengthen the midfield. We still have two matches to show our real character,' he said. Uganda face a critical second match as they try to rescue their CHAN campaign. While Algeria enjoy the comfort of three early points, the hosts must regroup and respond — or risk an early exit in front of their home fans.
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.
