Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put expressed deep disappointment following his team’s 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Mandela National Stadium on Friday.
Despite having already secured qualification for the tournament, Put was critical of the Cranes’ performance.
“I am ashamed about today’s performance from the boys,” Put said in his post-match remarks.
“I don’t know if it was because we had already qualified or because we were afraid of South Africa. In training, I saw a well-prepared team for sure,” he added.
The Cranes struggled to match South Africa’s intensity, conceding twice in the second half to Thapelo Morena and Pule Maswanganyi.
The dented Uganda’s chances of topping Group K and left the coach questioning the mindset and execution of his players.
Uganda will now aim to redeem themselves in their final group match against Congo on Tuesday.
Despite already qualifying, the Cranes have an opportunity to rebuild momentum ahead of the AFCON finals.
South Africa, on the other hand, solidified their dominance in Group K and will look to maintain their unbeaten run when they face South Sudan at home.
Uganda’s fans were equally disappointed, with many taking to social media to voice their frustrations.
Analysts suggested that complacency from having secured qualification may have played a role in the Cranes’ underwhelming performance.
