Ronald Lusulire
November 7, 2025Paul Put’s Uganda Cranes reign in numbers: 23 matches of progress, promise and persistence
Photo: FUFA Media
Paul Put’s Uganda Cranes reign in numbers: 23 matches of progress, promise and persistence
Since taking over the Uganda Cranes head coach role in November 2023, Belgian tactician Paul Put has brought stability, tactical discipline, and renewed optimism to the national team.
From his debut against Guinea in a World Cup Qualifier in Berkane to his latest fixtures in 2025, Put’s tenure has been marked by competitive performances across AFCON 2025 qualifiers, FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, CHAN playoffs, and international friendlies.
A Statistical Overview of Paul Put’s Tenure
As of October 2025, Paul Put has managed 23 games in charge of the Uganda Cranes.
His record stands at:
- Wins: 13
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 7
- Win Rate: 56.52%
- Draw Rate: 13.04%
- Loss Rate: 30.43%
Across these matches, the Cranes have scored 29 goals (1.26 per match) and conceded 25 (1.09 per match), leaving a positive goal difference of +4.
Uganda has kept 11 clean sheets, failing to score in 4 outings.
Performance by Year
| Year | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 50% |
| 2024 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 18 | 15 | 61.54% |
| 2025 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 50% |
Peak Year: 2024 was Uganda’s most productive year under Put, boasting a strong 61.54% win rate and competitive displays in both AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Performance by Venue
| Venue | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 55.56% |
| Away | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 14 | 12 | 45.5% |
| Neutral | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 100% |
The Cranes have been formidable on neutral ground, while home games at Namboole have seen strong fan support translate into a solid record.
Performance by Competition
| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifying | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 14 | 60% |
| AFCON Qualifying | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 67% |
| CHAN Qualifying | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 100% |
| Friendlies | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 40% |
Uganda’s most consistent performances have come in AFCON 2025 qualifiers, showing Put’s ability to get results in competitive fixtures.
Opposition Breakdown
| Opponent | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Win % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0% | |
| Botswana | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 100% | |
| Burundi | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 100% | |
| Cameroon | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0% | |
| Comoros | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 100% | |
| Congo | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 100% | |
| Ghana | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0% | |
| Guinea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 50% | |
| Mozambique | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 50% | |
| Somalia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 100% | |
| South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0% | |
| South Sudan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 100% |
Put’s Uganda has maintained dominance over regional opponents like Somalia, Burundi, and Botswana, reflecting progress in East and Southern African duels.
Key Streaks and Milestones
- Longest Winning Streak: 3 matches
- Longest Unbeaten Run: 4 matches
- Longest Losing Streak: 1 match
- Clean Sheets: 11
- Goals per Match: 1.26
Under Put, the Cranes have shown resilience, rarely losing consecutive matches and maintaining defensive solidity.
Tactical Evolution and Identity
Paul Put has instilled a pragmatic approach disciplined in defense, organized in shape, and reliant on quick transitions. His Cranes are notably difficult to break down, and his focus on youth integration has seen several emerging stars gain international exposure.
Uganda’s homecoming to Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in 2024 was symbolic of revival marked by back-to-back wins that reignited fans’ belief in the national side.
Summary Table
- Total Matches: 23
- Wins: 13
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 7
- Win Percentage: 56.52%
- Goals Scored: 29
- Goals Conceded: 25
- Goal Difference: +4
- Clean Sheets: 11
- Failed to Score: 4
Coach Put’s reign with the Uganda Cranes has been one of steady progress and tactical growth. Despite a few setbacks against African heavyweights, his side continues to develop a competitive edge in crucial qualifiers. With a win rate surpassing 56%, the Belgian’s impact is evident and as Uganda aims for a memorable AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, Put’s Cranes stand as a team on the rise, embodying belief, balance, and ambition.
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