World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put warns against taking Somalia lightly

World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put warns against taking Somalia lightly|FUFA IMAGE

World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put warns against taking Somalia lightly

Allan Damba • 11:19 - 21.11.2023

Uganda, which is ranked 90th in the world, takes on the 196th-placed Somalia, underlining the gulf in supremacy.

Uganda Cranes will need a statement result against Somalia when the two meet in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later on Tuesday at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco.

Uganda, which is ranked 90th in the world, takes on the 196th-placed Somalia, underlining the gulf in supremacy.

Ramz Kawooya is expected to feature against Somalia|FUFA IMAGE

However, Cranes head coach Paul Put Joseph has warned against taking the game for granted, indicating that there's no easy games on the continent.

New Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put during the Africa Cup of Nations in the past

“In Africa, there is no easy game. It will be a difficult game since Somalia is at home," Put said in the lead-up to the game.

Despite losing to Guinea 2-1 in the opening qualification match last Friday, the Cranes put up a spirited performance and could build on it for victory against Somalia.

"If we can bring the same character and motivation, we can pick a result. We have a good chance to get results.”

"The response from the players is excellent. The discipline and mentality are good. I don’t think we deserved to lose the game against Guinea. The players are ready to show again the good performance,” he summed

Meanwhile, skipper Khalid Aucho reiterated Put's mind, stressing that the Cranes must put up a proper fight for a win today.

“The players are motivated, and training has been good. Like the coach says, there is no easy game, but we shall fight for the points."

Uganda Cranes in Camp|FUFA IMAGE

Uganda sits second from the bottom in Group G with no points, while Somalia occupies the base.

Algeria, which has six points, tops the group, while Guinea (three), Mozambique (three) and Botswana come in second, third and fourth, respectively.