The Uganda Cranes will take on the Zebras of Botswana in the third matchday of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at its fortress, Namboole Stadium today evening.
Following eight days of rigorous training, Uganda will be hoping for a perfect return to Mandela National Stadium after five years of playing home games away from home.
While addressing the media in a press conference at FUFA Complex, Mengo, yesterday, Cranes Head Coach Paul Put expressed his satisfaction with preparations.
“We are set for the game against Botswana and the players are all in the right shape mentally and physically to put up the best performance,” he said.
Coach Confident Despite Missing Key Players
Asked about the composition of his squad having several home based players, Put believes everyone on the team is able to perform at this level.
“It doesn’t matter where a player is based here or playing abroad. As a coach, I always look out for performance and attitude in training. I believe everyone has the ability to perform when given an opportunity to play.”
Uganda Cranes will walk out of the tunnel with less key factor players as some big names were not summoned while others opted out due to injuries and other issues.
Captain Khalid Aucho who also attended the press briefing confirmed he will be on the sides because of an injury he picked in his last game for Tanzanian giants, Yanga FC.
“We are one family and not even my absence can dent our targets. Definitely coming back to Namboole is enough motivation for everyone on the team,” he stressed.
Uganda will also be without their top scorer of this campaign, Rogers Kassim Mato due to travel document issues. He will not feature against Botswana but will be available for the game against Algeria.
Uganda has three points from the opening two games. Their first game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Guinea but managed to fight back and register a 1-0 victory against Somalia.
Courtesy Photos
