Cranes Ready for Battle: Paul Put Urges Uganda to ‘Dream Big’ Ahead of AFCON 2025 Showdown
The roar of the Uganda Cranes is set to echo across the continent once again as head coach Paul Put rallies his squad ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
Drawn into a challenging Group C alongside African heavyweights Nigeria, tournament regulars Tunisia, and regional rivals Tanzania, Uganda faces a formidable test—but Put believes the Cranes are ready to soar.
"We must believe in ourselves. This is our moment to seize," declared Put, the Belgian tactician determined to inspire his team to defy the odds on Africa’s biggest stage.
Facing Nigeria, the 2023 AFCON runners-up, and Tunisia, a team known for its consistent quarter-final appearances, might seem daunting. However, Put views these fixtures as golden opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles.
"We are facing some of Africa’s best, but football is about belief, preparation, and heart. Our players have the talent, and now they must show the courage," he added confidently.
The Cranes will also lock horns with familiar foes Tanzania in what promises to be an electrifying East African derby. The match holds added significance as both nations gear up to co-host AFCON 2027, making this clash not just a fight for points but for regional pride and supremacy.
Uganda’s AFCON history is rich with moments of brilliance. Their best finish came in 1978, reaching the final before falling to Ghana. Legendary names like Phillip Omondi and Stanley Mubiru, both with three AFCON goals, remain etched in Ugandan football folklore.Now, Paul Put’s mission is to carve new names into that history.
"AFCON 2025 isn’t just about the present. It’s a stepping stone for AFCON 2027, where we’ll be hosting. Our players must treat every game as a chance to grow, learn, and inspire the nation," Put emphasized.
The Cranes’ return to AFCON marks their eighth appearance, the last being in 2019, where they impressively reached the Round of 16 before bowing out to Senegal. As Uganda prepares to write the next chapter, the expectations may be high, but the spirit is even higher.Put knows that preparation will be the key:
"We have to prepare ourselves and be ready to play. Every match is a chance to prove that Uganda belongs at the top of African football," he affirmed.
With the tournament set to kick off on December 21, 2025, Uganda’s journey will be watched closely—not just for immediate glory, but for what it means in the build-up to hosting AFCON 2027.
While critics may favor Nigeria or Tunisia, Paul Put and his Cranes aren’t in Morocco just to participate—they’re there to compete, challenge, and inspire.
"We know the challenge ahead, but challenges are what make us stronger. We’re ready to fight for Uganda," Put concluded.
As the Uganda Cranes prepare to spread their wings on the continental stage once more, one message rings clear across the nation: it’s time to believe, time to rise, and time to conquer.
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