Uganda Cranes Coach Reveals Bold Plan to Build AFCON 2027 Contenders

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has outlined his plans to build a stronger squad capable of competing with Africa’s top sides at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting that the team must continue adding quality ahead of the tournament.

With Uganda already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, Put is using the upcoming international fixtures to assess his options, introduce new players and develop a squad capable of handling the demands of continental football.

The Belgian coach has urged supporters to give newly invited players time to settle into the national team, stressing that adapting to international football is not an overnight process.

Put believes Uganda must gradually build its depth rather than expect immediate results from players who are still finding their feet at international level.

Reflecting on Uganda’s previous AFCON campaign in Morocco, the coach admitted that the Cranes found it difficult to match some of the continent’s leading teams.

“We must be realistic. When we went up against top-tier teams at AFCON, we encountered significant difficulties,” Put said. “We have been working hard to strengthen the squad, and now it is up to the players to step up and prove they belong at this level.”

Put’s comments underline the importance of strengthening Uganda’s squad before they host Africa’s biggest football tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania in 2027.

The coach has been experimenting with different options while giving opportunities to emerging players, with the aim of creating greater competition for places within the team.

Uganda’s preparations have also provided an opportunity to assess the squad against strong opposition, including their recent 1-1 draw with Tunisia in the 2027 AFCON PAMOJA qualifiers.

Although the Cranes do not need to qualify for the tournament as co-hosts, the competitive fixtures remain valuable for Put as he works towards developing a team capable of making an impact on home soil.

Veteran goalkeeper and captain Denis Onyango has also backed Uganda’s preparations, with the Cranes set to play at Hoima City Stadium as they continue their build-up.

The experienced goalkeeper believes playing international matches at different venues can help strengthen the connection between the national team and supporters across the country.

“It is a privilege to play at this impressive new venue, and the team is eager to get going,” Onyango remarked. “Travel hiccups are part of international football, and our opponents face similar hurdles, so there are no excuses. Our goal is to turn Hoima into a fortress and deliver the result our supporters expect.”

Uganda’s preparations will continue beyond the current international window, with a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in South Africa also lined up.

For Put, the focus is on using every available opportunity to strengthen the Cranes before the 2027 tournament arrives.

The coach now faces the task of turning Uganda’s growing squad depth into a team capable of competing on equal terms with the continent’s established football powers.