Put preaches belief ahead of Cranes’ World Cup decisive qualifiers

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has named his 26-man squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria, rallying his charges to approach the fixtures with belief as their greatest weapon.

Speaking at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, after unveiling the squad, Put emphasized the importance of confidence, recalling how his Burkina Faso side came within a minute of the playoffs during his tenure.

“We have the belief, we have the belief,” Put told journalists. “Nobody expected Burkina Faso to reach that far, but we did. So, we also believe, and we go. We shall try to do our level best.”

Uganda will play Botswana in Francistown on October 9, before heading to Algiers on October 14 for a daunting clash with group leaders Algeria at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium.

Put noted that beyond the World Cup qualifiers, the fixtures provide valuable preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“These are good opportunities also to face strong teams with different football styles as we prepare for the Nations Cup,” he said. “We have a lot of advantages playing Botswana and Algeria because it helps us in two ways.”

Algeria lead the group on 19 points, four clear of Uganda. A single win in their last two matches, against Somalia or Uganda, would virtually guarantee them top spot. But Uganda remain in contention, both for the group’s summit and for one of four second-place playoff slots across Africa’s ten groups.

“It will be tough, especially away from home, but if we get a good result against Botswana, then you never know in football. Miracles are there, and I believe my players have the belief. In football, anything can happen,” Put added.

“I told the players that we must do everything possible because in football you never know. The way they are performing gives us confidence, and if we put the luck on our side, then why not? We have this opportunity.”

26-man squad

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa) Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa) Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda) Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England) Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda) Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland) Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic) Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda) Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait) Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA) Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda) Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda) Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda) Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam) Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia) Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda) Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda) Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland) Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)