The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Group G
Uganda vs Botswana
Friday, 7th June 2024
Kickoff: 7PM EAT
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda will be hoping for a perfect return to Mandela National Stadium today against Botswana.
The Uganda Cranes will take on the Zebras of Botswana in the third matchday of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
After eight days of rigorous training, all in place and perfect shape to deliver the best results for Ugandans who have missed seeing the National Team at its fortress in five years.
While addressing the media on Thursday in a press conference held at FUFA Complex, Mengo, Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put expressed his satisfaction with preparations and believes his troops are in the right shape.
“We are set for the game against Botswana and the players are all in the right shape mentally and physically to put up the best performance,” he said.
Asked about the composition of his squad having several home based players, Put believes everyone on the team is able to perform at this level.
“It doesn’t matter where a player is based here or playing abroad. As a coach, I always look out for performance and attitude in training. I believe everyone has the ability to perform when given an opportunity to play.”
The gaffer confirmed captain Khalid Aucho is ruled out of the game against Botswana due to injury.
However, he indicated there will be further medical assessments done to see if the skipper can feature in Monday’s game against Algeria.
Aucho who also attended the press briefing remains unfazed that he will not be available for selection but rather expressed the unity of the team.
“We are one family and not even my absence can dent our targets. Definitely coming back to Namboole is enough motivation for everyone on the team to make sure we come out victorious,” he said.
“Since joining camp, the belief and mentality is good and every player is focused ahead of the two games.” Aucho added.
Forward Rogers Kassim Mato who had travel document issues will join the team on Friday. He will not feature against Botswana but will be available for the game against Algeria.
Uganda has three points from the opening two games. The first game ended in a 1-0 loss to Guinea while the Uganda Cranes were able to win 1-0 against Somalia.
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SOURCE: FUFA
