Cranes Coach Paul Put Optimistic About AFCON 2025 Qualification Chances

Uganda Coach Paul Put is confident the Cranes can qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Put expressed his confidence while reacting to draws for qualification pools on Thursday afternoon.

“You cannot underestimate any team and there are no easy games, but I think it is a fair group and playable.” Paul Put, Cranes Coach.

The draws, which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, pitted Uganda against familiar foes. Uganda will have trips to South Africa, Congo Brazzaville, and neighbors South Sudan to plan for.

Only the top two teams in Group K will make it to the tournament in Morocco. The games will kick off in September and will be played throughout October and November. The 2025 AFCON is a first of its kind as it will be held across two years in Morocco. The competition will start on December 21, 2025, and run till January 18, 2026.

Since Uganda was placed in Pot 2 ahead of the draws, it will both start and close its campaign with away games. This means Paul Put’s charges have to ensure they maximize their home appearances. Fortunately, Uganda’s fortress Mandela National Stadium, Namboole was renovated and will host the games.

South Africa is the top seed in Group K, having been in Pot 1. Meanwhile, Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan were in pots 3 and 4 respectively.

Put optimistic

Paul Put announced that training for the qualification tournament will start in early August. Put says that he will use the early preparation to give a chance to locally based players. Put also advised the players to maintain top form with their clubs as selection will be on merit.

“The players need to understand that they are the ambassadors of the country. The supporters expect good results as they believe in them [Uganda Cranes].” said Paul Put.

Since the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, Uganda has missed out on the last two editions. The Cranes look to return to Africa’s top football showpiece in preparation for the 2027 edition that Uganda will host. Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON edition with East African neighbors Tanzania and Kenya.