Coach Paul Put: Uganda ready to challenge Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania

Uganda head into the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 in drawn in a challenging group alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and regional rivals Tanzania. 

The Cranes have qualified for the tournament just eight times in their history, and their most memorable run came in 1978 when they reached the final.

Under Paul Put’s leadership, Uganda aim to combine discipline, tactical balance and mental resolve to make a mark in North Africa.

Ahead of their December departure for Africa’s flagship football competition, the coach laid out his preparation plan, opponent assessments, internal goals, and how he views the weight of expectation on the squad.

Below is the exclusive Q&A with Uganda coach Paul Put capturing his outlook and the Cranes’ mindset ahead of the competition in Morocco.

CAFOnline.com: How is the build-up towards the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations structured?

Put: We have played two World Cup qualifiers in October and have also used it also as preparation and this will be followed by two friendlies in November. In early December we’ll stage a closed camp in Kampala, including an open session for fans, before flying to Rabat. Once there, we’ll play more internationals and final tune-ups before meeting Tunisia on December 23.

CAFOnline.com: What lessons from qualifiers of the competition will Uganda carry in Morocco to help you make a big impact?

Put: Togetherness and discipline were among my top priorities from day one. For AFCON, I add a stronger will to win — that determination must outweigh the fear of losing. We want a team that holds its shape, fights in transitions, and believes it can compete.

CAFOnline.com: Uganda have been placed in a tricky group that involves giants Nigeria and Tunisia as well as your neighbours Tanzania. How do you assess your group opponents?

Put: Nigeria: They are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad with top talent and European experience.

Tunisia: They ate highly organized, technical, tactically astute. They are hard to break down but we will see.

Tanzania: For our neighbours Tanzania they are a good mix of energy and familiarity — regional derbies are never easy.

We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves.

CAFOnline.com: What would count as a successful group stage?

Put: Ideally, we want to advance. But first, we demand that our performances reflect modern football: balance, full engagement in all phases, and consistency. If we can win respect among African heavyweights and secure knockout qualification, that’s a job well done.

CAFOnline.com: Any Ugandan player you expect to standout?

Put: I prefer not to single out names. The philosophy here is collective performance. But several young home-based players from clubs like KCCA, Vipers and the Uganda Premier League are ready to make their mark. Africa should look out for their discipline and maturity. 

CAFOnline.com: What role will experienced players like Khalid Aucho play?

Put: Veterans or experienced players bring leadership, composure and guidance. They help steer younger players in tense moments, set standards in training, and link coaching strategy to the pitch. Their presence is invaluable in tournament environments.

CAFOnline.com: How is your set-piece strategy developing ahead of the upcoming AFCON?

Put: Set pieces can swing tight matches. We have worked on variation in delivery, timing, and defensive organization. Many of our players already face pressure set-piece environments at club level, so we aim to bring that into AFCON. I believe they can be decisive.

CAFOnline.com: How important will Ugandan fans be in Morocco?

Put: Our supporters are a backbone. Their energy, chants and belief travel with us. Even hundreds or thousands of travelling fans create a sense of “home away from home” and remind players of what they represent — a nation watching, hoping. We will dirty our boots for them.

CAFOnline.com: What is your squad selection philosophy — form, experience or balance?

Put: Balance is key. Experience helps in high-pressure situations, but you need youth, energy, flair and tactical discipline too. Our squad must be competitive now and have room to build for future tournaments. The collective always outweighs individual glory.

CAFOnline.com: Finally, what promise will you make to Ugandan fans?

Put: I promise they will see a Cranes side that plays with heart, unity, and pride. We will fight for every ball, respect the jersey, and leave everything on the field. We may face stronger opponents, but we won’t back down. Our aim is to represent Uganda with dignity, passion and purpose.