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CAF
27-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda coach Paul Put praises brave win over Guinea as World Cup hopes stay alive
Uganda head coach Paul Put has praised his team for their spirited performance following their 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, a result that has kept their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive. The crucial win, which came courtesy of a 36th-minute strike by striker Allan Okello, sees the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 co-hosts rise to fourth place in Group G, behind Botswana, Mozambique, and Algeria. Speaking after the match, Put expressed his satisfaction with the team's display, stating that the victory was well-deserved. He noted that Uganda could have extended their lead further, pointing out several missed chances in the first half that could have made the scoreline more comfortable. "We deserved to win, we played well from the first minute and had many chances to score more goals in the first half. I am proud of the team," Put said, reflecting on the hard-fought encounter. The win was a much-needed boost after Uganda's recent setback against Mozambique, where a series of unfortunate events, including conceding simple goals and a red card, had cost them valuable points in their 3-1 loss. Despite the challenges, Put was quick to highlight that his side did not perform poorly in Mozambique, especially after being reduced to 10 men. "We didn't perform badly in Mozambique, but the situations like the simple goals we conceded, and the red card cost us. Generally, we didn't have a bad game, especially when we were reduced to ten men. The boys knew what this match meant, and I am happy they put up a fight and got the positive result," he explained. One player who particularly caught Put's attention was Travis Mutyaba, who has not had consistent playing time at his Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt but was impressive during the win over Guinea. Put expressed belief in the young player's potential, stating, "Travis Mutyaba doesn't get the deserved playing time at Bodo, but if he gets them, he can be a mainstay in the team." The Uganda Cranes are now six points behind table leaders, Algeria with four more matches to go.
CAF
19-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Paul Put: 'You do not get many chances to qualify for a World Cup'
Qualification to the FIFA World Cup is a tough assignment that requires a nation to seize its opportunities and not leave anything to chance. These were the sentiments shared by Uganda head coach; Paul Put ahead of the Uganda Cranes' FIFA World Cup qualifiers clashes this week. The East Africans, who successfully secured their ticket to Morocco for the biggest football spectacle in Africa are now eyeing a place at the FIFA World Cup. Currently fifth in a tough Group G of the qualifiers, the Uganda Cranes take on Mozambique in Cairo on Thursday, 20 March and play host to Guinea in Kampala next Tuesday in two crucial clashes that could see them move up the group standings. Speaking ahead of the two encounters, the former Burkina Faso and Congo head coach emphasised the importance of Uganda taking up this opportunity and leaving nothing to chance, as qualification to a World Cup does not come too often, he says. 'Every game is crucial. You do not get many chances to qualify for a World Cup in your career. I have been close before and when you are close, you want more. Uganda must push forward and stay focused', said Put. Speaking on the two opponents Mozambique, who are second behind Algeria as well as Guinea who are tied on points with them, Put said no team is to be underestimated and that they would need to be well prepared. 'You cannot underestimate any African team. In World Cup qualifiers, opportunities are scarce, so we must be well-prepared. Our players understand that these chances are rare in their careers. I do not like to overthink. We performed well away in the AFCON qualifiers, and we should maintain that level. At home, we need to make a difference. The key is to focus on our game rather than stressing over numbers', concluded the coach. With qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations officially secured, Uganda will be hoping to secure their first ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
