The Uganda Cranes will kick off their AFCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers campaign with a challenging away match against Tunisia on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at 10:00 PM. The match will take place at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès. This encounter is part of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Group H, which also features Libya and Botswana. Despite already qualifying as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, coach Paul Put emphasizes the importance of these qualifiers in building a competitive team.
Coach Paul Put has selected a 28-man squad that combines experience and youth. Notably, legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango returns to the team, alongside SC Villa's David Lukwago and NEC's Hannington Ssebwalunyo. The squad also includes new faces such as US-based Noble Okello, U-20 star Sadam Masereka, and Entebbe UPPC right-back Jonathan Odongo. The attack will be led by prominent players like Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, and Steven Mukwala.
The defense is expected to be marshaled by Rogers Torach and Toby Sibbick, who will provide stability at the back. Seven locally based players have already departed for Tunis to join their foreign-based teammates in camp. CAF has appointed Mauritanian referee Abdoul Aziz Bouh to officiate the game. The team's preparation is crucial, as they aim to make a positive impact in the qualifiers.
Although Uganda has already secured a spot in the tournament, coach Put believes these qualifiers are vital for building a competitive team ahead of the home tournament. Only one other team from Group H will qualify alongside Uganda. The Cranes will need to perform well to ensure a strong showing in the tournament.
After the match against Tunisia, the Cranes will host Libya on 29 September at Hoima City Stadium. This will be the first-ever Cranes game in Hoima. The team will also face DR Congo in two international friendlies on 2 and 5 October in Ivory Coast. These matches will provide valuable opportunities for the team to fine-tune their skills.
The match against Tunisia promises to be a tough encounter, but a point in Radès would be a valuable start for Uganda. Coach Put's men will need to be at their best to upset the North African giants away from home. The team's fans will play a crucial role in providing support and motivation.
As the Cranes take to the pitch, they will be seeking to make a positive impact and set the tone for their AFCON 2027 campaign. With a blend of experience and youth, the team is poised to make a strong showing. The match against Tunisia marks the beginning of their journey, and the team will look to make a statement.
Key points
- Coach Paul Put has named a 28-man squad blending experience and youth.
- The match against Tunisia is part of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Group H.
- Uganda has already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
