Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has drawn a line in the sand: only players who truly believe in the World Cup dream will be allowed on the flight to Botswana and Algeria.
“Anyone without belief can stay in Kampala, Entebbe, or wherever. This team needs faith if we are to go forward,” the Belgian coach declared while naming his 26-man squad for the decisive Group G ties.
For Put, belief is not empty talk. He recalls leading Burkina Faso to the brink of a World Cup ticket, falling just one minute short against Algeria. It is that same spirit he wants his Cranes to embrace in their most crucial moment.
Beyond Numbers and Odds
Uganda’s position is precarious. The Cranes sit second in their group with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria, who need only one more win to secure qualification.
Even finishing second guarantees nothing—only the best four runners-up across the continent enter a playoff. Uganda is currently seventh, meaning the Cranes must win both remaining matches and hope that heavyweights like Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Namibia stumble.
It is a mountain, but Put insists that football is about moments where belief turns the improbable into the possible.
A Double Purpose
While World Cup qualification dominates the conversation, Put is also clear-eyed about the future. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations around the corner in Morocco, the fixtures against Botswana and Algeria are also a testing ground.
“There won’t be much time in November to prepare for AFCON. These games will serve as preparation,” he explained.
That dual approach ensures that, even if the miracle falls short, Uganda builds toward a major continental campaign.
Key Returns, Fresh Hope
The squad features timely reinforcements. Midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga and Allan Oyirwoth, who missed the last two qualifiers, return to inject creativity and control. They replace Joel Sserunjogi and Abdulkarim Watambala.
Their presence strengthens a team that has looked more fluid in recent outings, beating Somalia and Mozambique convincingly at Namboole.
The Call for Faith
Put’s tone is unrelenting: technical ability alone will not be enough. For Uganda to defy the odds, unity and faith must carry them where statistics suggest they cannot go. “I am a believer, and I believe in miracles. Let us hope for one,” he said with a smile.
Whether the Cranes script the fairytale or not, their journey in the next two games could redefine the team’s identity—a mix of grit, belief, and preparation for an AFCON test that lies just ahead.
Cranes squad
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders
Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Forwards
Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda),Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
