The Uganda Cranes begin their journey in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Thursday, 24 September 2026, when they take on Tunisia at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm local time (10:00pm EAT).
Uganda comes into the contest with a squad that combines experienced players with emerging talents as the technical team continues to build a side capable of competing at the highest level on the continent.
Speaking ahead of the match, Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put acknowledged the quality of the hosts but stressed that Uganda’s objective is to compete and use the encounter as an important step in the team’s development.
‘We know we’re going to face a very good team, a team with a lot of talent and experienced players, so it will be a tough game for us,’ Put said.
‘But we are here also to show that we can compete against big teams. We want to compete with the best teams in Africa, and every game is important for us.’
The Belgian tactician also praised the attitude of the players during preparations in Tunis, saying the squad has remained disciplined and focused ahead of the encounter.
‘The players who are in Tunisia have been working very hard in training. I’m very happy. They are very disciplined and very focused for this game,’ he added.
Put believes the Tunisia fixture provides an important opportunity for the Cranes to assess their progress while building towards the bigger objective of qualifying for AFCON 2027.
‘We are preparing to believe that we can go far in the AFCON. We have to believe. We have to improve and develop our team,’ he noted.
Captain Denis Onyango, who brings considerable experience to the squad, is equally aware of the challenge that awaits the Cranes but insists Uganda will approach the game with confidence and determination.
‘It’s good to be here in Tunisia, playing against a very good team, a team that was at the World Cup, with a lot of quality players,’ Onyango said.
‘We’re here to compete and make it very difficult for them, because we are also preparing the team for the AFCON, so we have to give our best.’
The decorated goalkeeper also highlighted the infusion of young players into the squad, expressing hope that the new generation can make a significant contribution.
‘There are a lot of new young players in the team, new young blood that will give their best, and we hope to get better results here,’ he said.
Uganda and Tunisia are familiar opponents, having been drawn in the same group at the previous AFCON tournament. However, Onyango believes Thursday’s encounter presents a different challenge.
‘We were in the same group with Tunisia, of course, in the AFCON, but this is a different competition. It was a tournament, now it’s the qualifiers, so we have to give our best.’
For the Cranes captain, the responsibility extends beyond the result on the pitch.
‘We are here to protect the flag. We are not here for a holiday, we are here to work and try and make our supporters happy back home, and to make the nation proud,’ Onyango stated.
Following this encounter in Tunisia, Uganda will return home for their next fixture on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, when they face Libya at the Hoima City Stadium.
