Uganda Cranes held their final training session on Monday evening ahead of Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria, a game that could define Uganda’s footballing dream.
The mood at training was one of focus and quiet determination as the team made final tactical adjustments under the watchful eyes of dignitaries and fans.
Among those in attendance were the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel, all showing their support for the team.
Captain Khalid Aucho spoke with calm confidence after the session.
“The players are ready. We travelled for two days, but everyone handled it professionally,” Aucho said.
“We’ve had two good training sessions, and everyone is in good condition, fit, motivated, and ready to give their best. Our focus is on delivering tomorrow.”
Head coach Paul Put shared his captain’s optimism, praising the squad’s discipline and commitment.
“It was a long journey, but I’m very happy with how the players have responded,” Put noted.
“What I’ve seen in training gives me confidence. They’re ready to make the people proud and to make themselves proud.”
He acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead, a roaring 70,000-strong crowd in Algiers but expressed faith in his team’s mentality.
“It’ll be a big game in a full stadium, but I trust this group. They’ve shown great professionalism and belief. We just ask Ugandans to keep supporting us and stay positive.”
The Race for second place
Algeria lead Group G with 22 points, while Uganda sit second on 18, making Tuesday’s clash crucial.
Under CAF’s qualification format, only the nine group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the second-placed teams still have a lifeline.
The nine runners-up will be compared to determine which advance to the next round. Importantly, results against the bottom team in each group are excluded, meaning only matches against the top five sides count.
CAF will then use FIFA’s standard tie-breakers, points, goal difference and goals scored to rank the best second-placed teams.
