The Uganda Cranes are set to take on Mozambique in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, 20th March 2025. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Paul Put and team captain Aucho Khalid expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and their readiness to fight for maximum points.
Coach Put acknowledged the challenges of assembling the squad but was optimistic about the team’s morale and work ethic in training.
“I think we all know when we make a call-up and we’re going to start the preparation that it’s always difficult to find all your players at the same time. So it’s not only for Uganda, it could be for other teams as well, but it’s not always easy. But I received the players little by little, and I think the spirit is quite okay,” he stated.
Reflecting on the team’s performance in training, Put expressed his satisfaction and underlined the importance of the upcoming match. “What I saw on the training ground, I was very happy about their performance, about their mentality, and I think it will be important for the game. You know, if you want to be dominant in your ranking, every game is important. We know that Mozambique is three points ahead of us, so it is always an important game.”
With the World Cup qualification campaign in full swing, Put reiterated the need for the players to rise to the occasion. “If you have ambition, if you want really to get good results, then you have to see what you can do. And away games are always a difficult thing, but I think that my players will understand that for us it’s a very important game, but for Mozambique it’s also an important game.”
Meanwhile, team captain Aucho Khalid assured fans that the squad was in good condition and eager for the challenge. “The boys are fine, and everyone is in good condition. They are motivated and are ready to fight for their nation and are getting what the coaches are telling them.”
With Mozambique playing in Egypt, Aucho called upon fans to come out in numbers and support the team. “I know we have several fans here in Egypt. We call upon you so that you can come and support us tomorrow as we take on Mozambique. We shall be happy to see you tomorrow.”
The midfielder also emphasized the team’s shift in focus from the recently concluded AFCON qualifiers to the World Cup campaign. “We finished the qualifiers for AFCON. So now our focus is on the World Cup qualifier, and the boys are ready to get a new challenge because it’s a World Cup qualifier and it’s also a big competition. So I think we are ready for that and the boys are ready for it.”
Aucho remains optimistic about Uganda’s chances. “Sometimes football is different. You can play at home and you don’t win, and you can play away and you win. So I think yes, they are away, but I think they are at home.”
Players in camp: Watenga Isima, Alionzi Nafian, Mutakubwa Joel, Bwomono Elvis, Kizito Gavin, Mugabi Bevis, Awany Timothy, Sibbick Toby, Torach Rogers, Kayondo Abdu Aziizi, Muleme Isaac, Elio Capradossi, Ssekiganda Ronald, Semakula Kenneth, Aucho Khalid, Ssebagala Enock, Watambala Abdu Karim, Okello Allan, Mutyaba Travis, Omedi Denis, Kiwanuka Hakim, Ssemugabi Jude, Mato Rogers, Mukwala Steven, Muhammad Shaban, Kabuye Calvin and Kakande Patrick.
