By Our Reporter
NATIONAL/SPORTS
The Uganda Cranes Coach, Paul Put has called up a squad of 26 players ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea.
According to the lineup released today, Monday, 10th March, 2025, 3 Goal keepers have been summoned. They are; Watenga Isma of Golden Arrows, Alionzi Naflan of Defence Forces and Mutakubwa Joel of Bul FC.
Defenders are; Bwomono Elvis (St. Mirren FC), Kizito Gavin (KCCA), Mugabi Bevis (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Awany Timothy (FC Ashdod), Sibbick Toby ( Wigan Athletic FC), Torach Rogers (Vipers SC), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (FC Slovan Liberec) and Muleme Isaac of Fk Viktoria Zizkov.
Summoned midfielders are; Ssekiganda Ronald (SC Villa), Semakula Kenneth (Club Africaine), Aucho Khalid (Young Africans), Ssebagala Enock (NEC), Watambala Abdu Karim, Okello Allan (all of Vipers SC) and Mutyaba Travis of Girondins Bordeaux.
Meanwhile the Goal Hunters are; Omedi Denis and Kiwanuka Hakim (APR FC), Ssemugabi Jude (Kitara FC), Mato Rogers (FK Vardar), Mukwala Steven (Simba FC), Muhammada Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar SC), Kabuye Calvin (Mjallby AIF) and Kakande Patrick of SC Villa.
Uganda will play Mozambique away on 20th March, 2025 at Cairo International Stadium and against Guinea on 25th May, 2025 at Namboole National Stadium.
n an interview with FUFA’s Communications Department, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put shared his insights on the 26-man provisional squad summoned for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Uganda will face Mozambique on 20th March at Cairo International Stadium, Egypt before hosting Guinea at Namboole Stadium on 25th March 2025.
Preparing for high-stake matches, coach Put emphasised a game-by-game approach, acknowledging the intense competition in African football.
‘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.’
Put noted the limited preparation time, with some players joining the camp just days before the Mozambique match.
What it means to the coach and the players play in the world cup qualifiers
‘Unfortunately, we have a short preparation period. Some players will join us on the 17th March and we will start training on the 18th March, with only two days before the game. It is challenging, but we will not make excuses. We will do our best to achieve good results.
Put’s Strategy for the three World Cup home matches
Uganda has three upcoming home matches against Guinea, Mozambique and Somalia. Coach Put prefers to focus on performance rather than calculations.
‘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.’
Put on young players and team dynamics
Put downplayed the reliance on individual players, stressing the importance of a team-first mentality. ‘The entire team is crucial. We do not have irreplaceable top-level players. We are missing Halid Lwaliwa and Elio Capradossi, who are key in defense, but Uganda’s strength lies in collective effort and mentality.;
Put on the World Cup ambitions
With Uganda aiming to qualify for its first ever World Cup, Put highlighted the importance of seizing the moment.
‘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.’
Put on the immense support by Ugandan football fans
Put urged Ugandan fans to rally behind the team, as their support creates a positive atmosphere that boosts performance.
‘Our strength comes from mentality and unity. Fans play a significant role in this. Ugandans love football, and their support gives us the energy we need.’
Travel plans for the team
The Uganda Cranes Squad will camp in Egypt with the travel of the local based players starting on 15th March. The foreign based players will join the residential camp in Cairo after the weekend of (15-16 March) matches with their clubs ahead of the Mozambique clash.
With six points already collected, Uganda Cranes will aim to collect three points in Cairo off Mozambique and then maximise their home advantage for a strong push in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
