Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put and captain Khalid Aucho addressed the media on Sunday ahead of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualfier match against Congo at Mandela National Stadium on Monday.
The gaffer and skipper spoke with confidence ahead of Monday game indicating the target is securing maximum points.
Coach Put believes his troops are in perfect shape and ready to face the Red Devils.
“We had a game on Friday where we had to fight hard to get a result on the road but the focus has now shifted to Congo. I believe the players have recovered well despite having limited resting time between Friday and tomorrow’s game,” he stated.
“We are still work in progress but I am impressed with the progress and I know we will get there soon.” Put added.
The coach gave an update on striker Muhammad Shaban who missed the game against South Africa.
“Shaban picked up an injury in the final 15 minutes of the last training session ahead of the game against South Africa. We will see how he reacts in training today and hopefully he can be available tomorrow.” The coach revealed.
About our opponents Congo, coach Put believes they are a good team that cannot be under looked.
“Congo has a lot of quality with very good players featuring in big Leagues. We definitely do not undermine them but our target is to pick maximum points.”
Skipper Aucho is unfazed with the limited resting time and highlights that everyone is ready for Monday’s encounter.
“Well, we played on Friday and travelled the next time. We literally have no time to rest but as players, our spirits are high and we are ready to throw our bodies on the line to make ourselves and Ugandans proud,” he said.
The combative midfielder believes a point picked away against South Africa is a good foundation in the quest to qualify for AFCON 2025.
“We earned a point away in our first game and that was important for us to start the campaign on a positive note. We therefore don’t have any excuse not to win at home tomorrow .”
Uganda Cranes camp has been boosted with the addition of defenders Kenneth Ssemakula and Halidi Lwaliwa.
Uganda is in Group K alongside Congo, South Africa and South Sudan.
Tomorrow’s game will be officiated by the following officials
Match Commissioner: Mr Ahmed Iddi Mgoyi (Tanzania)
Referee: Mehrez Melki (Tunisia)
Assistant Referee 1: Mohamed Bakir (Tunisia)
Assistant Referee 2: Youssef Jami (Tunisia)
Fourth Official: Mohamed Yosri Bouali (Tunisia)
Referees Assessor: Ojwang Moses Osano (Kenya)
