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AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes Brace for South Africa and Congo.

As the Uganda Cranes set their sights on the 2025 AFCON, preparations for a crucial double-header qualifier kicked off with intensity and resolve. The team faces a defining moment, starting with a home match against South Africa on Friday, November 15, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. With everything on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the Cranes are fully aware of the magnitude of the task at hand.

The Uganda Cranes officially reported to camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi yesterday to commence final preparations for the key AFCON 2025 Qualifier matches. The team is set to face South Africa in a home fixture on 15th November 2024, followed by an away match against Congo on 19th November 2024.

The camp is alight with several local-based and foreign based players already in attendance as they aim to secure Uganda’s place in the upcoming AFCON tournament. The team’s technical and management staff are also on site, working together to ensure that all aspects of the camp are meticulously organized for maximum focus and productivity.

Today, Monday 11th November 2024 marked the beginning of the Cranes’ focused training camp. Though seven players have yet to report, the early arrivals took to the pitch with purpose, determined to make every minute count. Head coach Paul Put was encouraged by the energy and motivation his players displayed, even as they shook off the fatigue from long flights. “The players are very motivated,” he shared, confident in their commitment, yet mindful of the toll of travel. The Namboole training grounds were alive with intensity as the players poured their efforts into each drill, signaling the beginning of a spirited preparation period.

One of the camp’s key stories is the return of Ethiopian-based Wasswa Geofrey, a seasoned midfielder who last donned the national colors in 2023. Wasswa, who made a name for himself while at KCCA FC, was part of the squad that faced Algeria in the previous AFCON qualifiers. His experience is a welcome boost to the team. “I am happy to be back,” Wasswa expressed, with a look of determined resolve. “The competition is tighter of late, but I will work harder, give my best so that we qualify.” For Wasswa, this return is not just about rejoining the squad; it’s about playing a pivotal role in a dream shared by millions of Ugandans.

Amid the mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, Allan Okello stands out as a player with the potential to tip the scales in Uganda’s favor. Known for his playmaking ability, Okello has been a game-changer, recording three assists in recent matches—two of which he delivered as a substitute. His agility and quick thinking on the field are assets Uganda will lean on heavily against South Africa. Speaking to the press, Okello conveyed his enthusiasm: “First day, first training. Moods are high, and the most important thing on Friday is qualification.” With a mature perspective beyond his years, Okello embodies the spirit of a team that’s ready to give its all.

The Uganda Cranes are now camped in Kisaasi- Cranes Paradise Hotel, where they’ll spend four intensive days preparing for the showdown. The training regimen includes tactical drills, honing their physical edge, and meticulous planning for every possible scenario they may face on Friday. In this final stretch, Coach Put and his staff are fine-tuning formations and match strategies, determined to exploit every advantage they have over the Bafana Bafana. Namboole’s “slaughterhouse” awaits, and the Cranes are intent on turning it into a fortress against their South African rivals.

Uganda’s journey to this crucial match was set in motion with a dramatic 2-2 draw in Johannesburg. Goals from Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato proved Uganda’s resilience. Now, on their home turf, the Cranes are self-confident to go beyond resilience—they are preparing to dominate, with sights set firmly on victory.

The team will pick up from today’s work out at the same venue tomorrow Tuesday 12th November 2024 at 4pm.

Players in camp

1. Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia) 2. Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa) 3. Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda) 4. Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa) 5. Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda) 6. Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic) 7. Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic) 8. Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel) 9. Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia) 10. Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania) 11. Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA) 12. Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda) 13. Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France) 14. Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania) 15. Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda) 16. Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda) 17. Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda) 18. Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda) 19. Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda) 20. Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa,Uganda)