Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put is impressed with how his team has kick-started its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
The Cranes rolled off to a 2-2 stalemate away to the 2023 AFCON semifinalists South Africa in a game where they could have grabbed maximum points but conceded a 95th-minute equalizer in Johannesburg on Friday.
However, it was a huge point given the magnitude of the opposition and how the game started with the Cranes on the receiving end.
The Cranes returned home and perfectly built on the point earned against the Bafana Bafana by defeating Congo Brazzaville 2-0 at the electric Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
“I am very happy with both results and I think with four points out of six, we are on the right track,” the Belgian tactician said in the aftermath of the game against Congo.
“South Africa is a very strong team, and I know we should have won the game, but we collected an important point.”
“The same applies to Congo. They are also a tough team to play because they’ve got a lot of players who ply their trade internationally.”
“I would like to congratulate the players because you’d see the efforts in both games trying to fight, showing character and mentality,” Put added.
Aziz Kayondo opened the scoring against the Red Devils in the 21st minute before debutant Jude Ssemugabi sealed it in the 85th minute.
Uganda has not been at the previous two AFCON tournaments in Ivory Coast 2023 and Cameroon 2021. Their last appearance was in Egypt 2019 reaching the Round of 16.
They currently lead Group K with four points and will return to action in October welcoming South Sudan to Namboole.
