We have a strong team capable of upsetting Guinea – Uganda Cranes coach

Uganda Cranes is going into today World Cup qualifier against Guinea at Mandela National Stadium Namboole with optism knowing that only a win matter following their loss to Mozambique in the game played in Egypt last weekend.

“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.” – Paul Put, Uganda Cranes Head Coach, told a pre-match press conference in Kampala on Monday.

“Our young players are the future, they took us to AFCON, and so 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 Uganda Cranes. We shall not disappoint!” the team’s captain Khalid Aucho stated.

Commenting on the poor show from his goal keeper Ismael Watenga whose blunders cost the team the coach said, “Even the best goalkeepers make mistakes—it is part of the game and a mental challenge. Football is a team sport; we win together, we learn together, and we grow stronger together.”

The Uganda Cranes head into this match eager to bounce back after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Mozambique in Cairo last week. Uganda, currently in fifth place in Group G, will be looking for a much-needed three points against Guinea to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Group G is currently led by Algeria with 12 points, followed by Mozambique with 12 points, Guinea with 7 points, Botswana with 6 points, Uganda also with 6 points, and Somalia in sixth place with 1 point. The group winner will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the second-placed team will have an opportunity to compete in a playoff for a chance at qualification.

The Cranes will be hoping to make home advantage count as they seek to revive their World Cup dreams.