The Uganda Cranes played purposeful and beautiful football during the international break that saw them face Guinea and Somalia in Morocco during the opening week of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
It was unusual for Uganda Cranes to kick off the campaign with two successive away matches in unknown territory. The impressive display despite a return of three points off an improved Somalia (1-0 win) from a possible six points is something to write home about.
The players’ hard efforts deserved at least a point against Guinea but they never mastered the tactics of playing out the final minutes of the game. Cranes lost 1-2.
I believe good times are returning and these are moments every Uganda Cranes fan would cherish. The appointment of Uganda Cranes head coach Put Paul Joseph and his assistant Sam Ssimbwa by Fufa left some football followers heavily locked in debates.
Despite their vast experience in the coaching world, the fans immediately questioned the decision taken by the local soccer governing body Fufa. It took Fufa long to come up with the final decision on who would replace the then head coach Milutin Sredojevic after both parties agreed to part ways.
The two new coaches Put and Ssimbwa are enjoying full powers on selection of players for the squad and match day line-up. Following the just-concluded two Fifa World Cup matches for Uganda Cranes against Guinea and Somalia, it was evident that the decisions taken by Put and Ssimbwa will leave many players worried for their places.
The signs are very clear that no player will be guaranteed a place automatically into the squad and not even the starting lineup. With 28 players at their disposal for the recent matches, the two coaches must have noticed a lot from what the players can offer in terms of ability, attitude, performance and commitment.
The next call-up of players for the international engagements in 2024 will definitely be different from what the coaches had at their disposal in Morocco. Both Put and Ssimbwa have been ever present at the league matches since their return from the international break.
The chances given to almost every player for matches against Guinea and Somalia, highlighted the type of confidence Put and Ssimbwa have in the upcoming players into senior football for the Uganda Cranes. Allan Oyirwoth, Kenneth Ssemakula, Azizzi Kayondo, Travis Mutyaba, Umar Lutalo and Isima Watenga were the biggest beneficiaries.
The fans have noticed the attacking and passing football exhibited in the two games. It is exactly what they would love to see when the Uganda Cranes return to Namboole next year.
The author is Fufa communications director
Source: The Observer
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