Paul Put spoke with calm urgency, fully aware that time is already tight. After Uganda Cranes’ shaky start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Belgian coach did not dodge the pressure.
He leaned into it as his side prepared for a decisive East African derby against Tanzania on Saturday at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
“We lost our first game, which is not ideal,” Put said, reflecting on the 3–1 defeat to Tunisia. “If you want to go far in this tournament, you must start well.”
Uganda were second best for long spells, undone by Mohamed Elyes Achouri’s two goals and Ellyes Skhiri’s header on a wet night in Rabat.
Denis Omedi’s late strike was little more than consolation. Put, however, refused to dwell on it. “Now we focus on the next game. There is pressure to do better, but we must control that pressure to get a result.”
That next test is unforgiving. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, also bruised after a 2–1 loss to Nigeria, stand in Uganda’s way.
It is a familiar rivalry, tilted slightly in Tanzania’s favour in recent meetings, including a 1–0 friendly win in July and a similar result in the first leg of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Uganda’s response in Dar es Salaam during that campaign remains proof of how fine the margins are.
Put’s worries extend beyond tactics. Defensive options are thin. Elio Capradossi will miss the match after failing to recover from injury, despite intense work with the medical team.
“Tomorrow’s game is too early for him,” Put confirmed.
Timothy Awany’s absence has been even more disruptive, with injury and personal loss ruling him out of the tournament.
“We don’t have many choices,” Put admitted, “but we must make Ugandans proud, and that comes from getting a good result.”
He also touched on a broader challenge facing East African football, noting the structural advantages enjoyed elsewhere, especially in West Africa.
Still, he sees AFCON as a level ground. “This is the opportunity for our players. The whole world is watching. You have to stand up and show your quality.”
Improvement, Put insisted, is needed “in all aspects” after the Tunisia defeat. Experience will matter, which is why Denis Onyango’s influence remains vital even off the pitch.
“He is a leader,” Put said, praising the veteran goalkeeper’s calming presence among many AFCON debutants.
He even hinted at Onyango’s future within the technical setup once his playing career ends.
As for the derby, Put expects nothing easy. Tanzania’s fight against Nigeria, briefly lifted by Kokola M’Mombwa’s equaliser before Ademola Lookman sealed it, showcased their threat.
With Nigeria and Tunisia meeting elsewhere in Group C, Saturday’s result could shape Uganda’s fate.
“We must show hunger,” Put said, “and want it more than them.” For Uganda, this will be about survival and belief to keep their AFCON dream alive.
