The Uganda Cranes need a win against Tanzania to keep AFCON hopes alive. Head coach Paul Joseph Put addressed the media in Rabat ahead of the Saturday Group C derby at Al Medina Stadium. Both teams lost their opening matches, with Uganda falling 3-1 to Tunisia and Tanzania losing 2-1 to Nigeria. Put acknowledged the pressure from that first defeat but stressed the need for a quick response. He confirmed defender Elio Capradossi is out injured and will miss the match.
Put also explained the absence of defender Timothy Awany. Awany was injured before the tournament and also suffered a family loss, preventing his participation. The Belgian coach highlighted the tournament's importance for East African players to gain global exposure. He called for collective improvement after the Tunisia game and emphasized that the squad must believe they can compete. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was praised as a key leader, providing calm for the many debutants.
Midfielder Allan Okello, speaking alongside Put, said the team has regrouped. He called the derby a tricky challenge but stated Uganda is planning a much better performance. Okello noted both teams still have a realistic chance to advance from the group. Coach Put warned that Tanzania is a good team but insisted Uganda must show more desire and hunger to win the match. The Cranes aim to make their nation proud with a positive result.
Put also explained the absence of defender Timothy Awany. Awany was injured before the tournament and also suffered a family loss, preventing his participation. The Belgian coach highlighted the tournament's importance for East African players to gain global exposure. He called for collective improvement after the Tunisia game and emphasized that the squad must believe they can compete. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was praised as a key leader, providing calm for the many debutants.
Midfielder Allan Okello, speaking alongside Put, said the team has regrouped. He called the derby a tricky challenge but stated Uganda is planning a much better performance. Okello noted both teams still have a realistic chance to advance from the group. Coach Put warned that Tanzania is a good team but insisted Uganda must show more desire and hunger to win the match. The Cranes aim to make their nation proud with a positive result.
