Paul Put warns against complacency ahead of Uganda vs Somalia clash

Monday September 8, 2025

• Mandela National stadium, Namboole 7pm

Uganda Cranes will be out to build on their emphatic win over Mozambique when they host Somalia in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

The hosts were ruthless against the Mambas who they beat 4-0 to move into second place on the group G table and a similar result over minnows Somalia will brighten chances of reaching a maiden world cup.

Somalia lost 3-0 to Guinea at Namboole on Friday and are bottom of the group with one point, conceded 14 goals and scored just 3 goals in seven matches.

Nevertheless, Paul Put has warned against complacency despite being overwhelming favourites.

“We played a good game against Mozambique but that is in the past,” Put warned. “We have to see Somalia and we expect no easy game because there are no easy games in Africa. We have to be ready like we did against Mozambique and get a good result,” he added.

The Belgian tactician also called on fans to show up and give push the team like they have done in the past.

“I call upon all Ugandans to come and support us. We need to be 12 vs. 11 and then we enjoy the result after,” he emphasized.

With 12 points, Uganda is tied with Mozambique, six points adrift of group leaders Algeria who face Guinea (10 points) in Morocco.

Guinea won the reverse fixture in Algiers and sealing a double over the Desert Foxes will blow the group wide open in case both Mozambique and Uganda Cranes win their respective matches in round 8.

Team News

There were no reported injuries in the aftermath of the Friday game and the team welcomes Denis Omedi back from suspension following a red card in the 3-1 defeat to Mozambique in the reverse fixture.

Paul Put is expected to maintain a huge chunk of players in the team that started against the Mambas on Friday.

Cranes Probable XI

Jamal (GK), Gavin, Kayondo, Capradossi, Obita, Aucho ©, Ssekiganda, Mato, Okello, Ssemugabi, Mukwala

Key Stat:

• Uganda has won all their previous meetings with Somalia [W7, GF22, GA 2]