Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has emphasized the importance of preparation and resilience as the team braces for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to take place in August. Speaking after the tournament's draw on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, the coach acknowledged the challenges of Group C which includes Niger, Guinea and two yet-to-qualify teams.
“We don’t know which other countries we will be facing for Q1 and Q2, but it’s a fine group. We may end up with teams like South Africa, Algeria or Egypt,” Put remarked. “It is a tough group but to play in the final stages of CHAN, you must face strong opponents. Our focus is on ourselves preparing well and using the support of our fans as hosts. This is an opportunity for the players to change their lives.”
The remaining qualification slots will be contested by Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, The Gambia, Comoros and Gabon. The two winners will join Group C, completing what could become a highly competitive pool.
Uganda has participated in six previous CHAN tournaments but has never advanced beyond the group stage, a barrier coach Put is determined to break.
The tournament, initially scheduled to kick off on February 1st was postponed to August 2025 by CAF. This delay offers the Cranes additional time to refine their strategies and bolster their chances of achieving a historic performance.
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