Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put expects a challenging encounter as his team prepares to face South Sudan in the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The game, set for Tuesday in Juba, comes after Uganda’s narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at Namboole Stadium.
With Uganda on the verge of securing an AFCON qualification spot, Put is urging his team to be mentally prepared for a difficult match on South Sudan’s home turf.
“I know it’s going to be a difficult game because South Sudan is playing at home. We have to be fully prepared,” Put said ahead of the clash.
“They will want to take advantage of their home crowd, and if we aren’t mentally ready, it could be a tough afternoon for us. But I trust my team, and they know what’s at stake.”
A win for Uganda would secure their place in the 2025 AFCON with two games still to play.
The last time the two teams met in Juba was in 2017, a goalless draw, but South Sudan’s improved organization has not gone unnoticed by the Cranes’ coach.
“In Kampala, they were well-organized and created a number of good chances. I expect them to come out even stronger at home, but we’ll play our game and push for victory,” Put added.
Bevis Mugabi, who scored the winning goal in the first leg, is expected to feature again, though his defensive partner Elio Carpradossi remains doubtful.
A victory in Juba would move Uganda to 10 points, marking their return to AFCON after missing out on the 2021 edition.
The Cranes last participated in the 2019 tournament in Egypt, where they reached the Round of 16.
