AFCON: Put says Uganda will not be intimidated in Morocco

Uganda national team head coach Paul Put has made it clear the Cranes will not be intimidated when they participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The East African nation have been placed in a tricky group that involves giants Nigeria and Tunisia as well as your neighbours Tanzania. The Cranes have qualified for the tournament just eight times in their history, and their most memorable run came in 1978 when they reached the final.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Put analysed Uganda’s group by saying they will give a good account of themselves.

Uganda will give good account of themselves

“Nigeria: They are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad with top talent and European experience,” explained Put as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “Tunisia: They ate highly organised, technical, tactically astute. They are hard to break down but we will see.

“Tanzania: For our neighbours Tanzania they are a good mix of energy and familiarity — regional derbies are never easy. We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves.”

On what Uganda wants to achieve in Morocco, he said: “Ideally, we want to advance. But first, we demand that our performances reflect modern football: balance, full engagement in all phases, and consistency. If we can win respect among African heavyweights and secure knockout qualification, that’s a job well done.’

On the team’s preparations and readiness, he said: “We have played two World Cup qualifiers in October and have also used it also as preparation and this will be followed by two friendlies in November.

“In early December we’ll stage a closed camp in Kampala, including an open session for fans, before flying to Rabat. Once there, we’ll play more internationals and final tune-ups before meeting Tunisia on December 23.”

He concluded: “Togetherness and discipline were among my top priorities from day one. For AFCON, I add a stronger will to win — that determination must outweigh the fear of losing. We want a team that holds its shape, fights in transitions, and believes it can compete.”

Uganda will kick off their campaign against Tunisia on December 23.

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