Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has urged his players to respond positively as they prepare for a crucial Group C encounter against neighbours Tanzania at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The Cranes face Tanzania on Saturday at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, with both sides seeking their first points of the tournament following opening-day defeats. Uganda fell 3-1 to Tunisia, while Tanzania were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Nigeria.
Speaking to the media at the main media centre in Rabat, Put acknowledged the pressure facing his side but emphasised the need to refocus quickly.
‘We lost our first game, which is not ideal because if you are to go far in the tournament, you must start well but we now have to focus on our next game which will be important for us. There is pressure for us to do better but we must beat that pressure in order to get a good result in tomorrow’s game.’
The head coach also provided an update on defender Elio Capradossi, confirming that he will miss the derby fixture.
‘He has not trained since picking the injury but we have been trying hard behind the scenes to make sure he gets back. The medical team has really tried, had sessions in the swimming pool but tomorrow’s game is quite too early and he will not be available.’
Put further explained the circumstances surrounding the absence of Timothy Awany, citing both injury and personal reasons.
‘He got injured in his last game in Israel by the moment we assembled players from clubs but also, he lost a family member, so he could not make it to the tournament. We have had a few problems in our defensive setup and we don’t have that much choices but we must make Ugandans proud and you can only do that by getting a good result.’
The coach also reflected on the wider discussion regarding player exposure across the continent, highlighting AFCON as a key platform for East African players.
‘In West Africa, you are born with contacts from Europe and most of the players get the chance to get information from Europe, which is not the case with East Africa. But AFCON is an opportunity for our players to show their abilities because the whole world is watching and following. You have to stand up and show the quality you have.’
On what needs improvement from the Tunisia match, Put stressed collective responsibility and belief.
‘We just need to do better in all aspects. The players need to rise to the occasion. There is a lot of pressure but we have to stand up because we have been performing well in the qualifiers, so the players have to believe in themselves that they can perform at this level.’
The Uganda Cranes tactician also praised the leadership influence of Denis Onyango within the squad.
‘He is a leader, a very experienced player who helps a lot in the dressing room. He is actually a captain off the field. With so many players featuring at AFCON for the first time, you need a player like him who will bring calmness and a strong mentality to the squad. We are even thinking of incorporating him into the technical staff in future when he eventually retires.’
Put concluded by underlining the demanding nature of the East African derby.
‘Derbies are always trick games, and we know Tanzania is a very good team but we must show hunger and the intention to win it more than them.’
Also addressing the media on match eve was midfielder Allan Okello, who expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and mindset ahead of the Tanzania clash. The player spoke alongside head coach Paul Joseph Put at the main media centre in Rabat, pointing to a much-improved display following the Tunisia defeat.
‘This will not be an easy match, being a derby. However, we plot to have a far better improved performance because we need to win the game if we are to realise our first target of qualifying from the group.’
Okello added that the team has put the opening loss behind them and is fully focused on the task ahead.
‘We did not start the way we needed but we have regrouped well, trained well and focusing for the next game. The game against Tunisia is now history. Both Uganda and Tanzania have realistic chances of progressing to the next stage.’
