Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has urged his players and fans to remain focused and united ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Group G return leg against Guinea tomorrow at Namboole Stadium.
“Tomorrow is important, we still have so many games. Everything is open, and anything can still happen. In football, everything is possible, we just have to stay behind the team,” Put emphasized, rallying supporters to stand with the squad in this decisive moment.
Uganda is in dire need of maximum points to revive its qualification hopes after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Mozambique in the previous match. Meanwhile, Guinea also comes into this encounter under pressure, having been held to a shock goalless draw by Somalia. The Cranes remain on six points while Guinea sits slightly ahead with seven.
Group G Table (5 matches played
Points | |
Algeria | 12 |
Mozambique | 12 |
Guinea | 7 |
Botswana | 6 |
Uganda | 6 |
Somalia | 1 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental playoff.
Despite Guinea boasting several top players competing in European leagues, Put remains optimistic.
“Guinea has quality players competing at a high level in Europe, but we also have a strong team capable of competing in our own way. I believe in my players and the support behind us,” he noted.
The two sides last met in November 2023, with Guinea edging Uganda 2-1 in Morocco. However, history favors the Cranes at Namboole, where they last hosted Guinea in the 2014 AFCON qualifiers, securing a 2-0 victory courtesy of a Geoffrey Massa brace. Massa, now the team manager, will be hoping for another triumphant night at the stadium.
Captain Khalid Aucho, the only squad member remaining from that 2014 victory, called upon fans to turn up in large numbers and back the team.
“Our young players are the future; they took us to AFCON, and we must continue to uplift and motivate them, even in tough times. I call upon the nation and the media to support them. Let’s turn up in numbers tomorrow at Namboole and back the Cranes. We shall not disappoint!” Aucho passionately stated.
Put also defended his players from criticism, particularly goalkeeper Isima Watenga, who had a difficult outing in the last match.
“Even the best goalkeepers make mistakes, it’s part of the game and a mental challenge. Football is a team sport; we win together, we learn together, and we grow stronger together,” he said.
With history, home advantage, and a determined squad, Uganda Cranes will be aiming to reignite their qualification campaign in front of an expectant home crowd.
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