Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put eyes an improved return leg with the Botswana Zebras on 17th November 2026 in Gaborone city during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The two countries played to a 1-all draw at the Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, 14th November 2026 with teenager James Bogere scoring his first senior goal before Losika Ratshukudu got the equalizer.
Addressing the media during the official pre-match press conference moments after the game, Put described the game as a “double feeling” where the victory should have been sealed inside the opening 20 minutes.
“We had a double feeling. Within the first twenty minutes we had a chance to finish the game with a goal but we did not take it” the Belgian opened up.
“After we scored, we lost concentration and conceded. In the second half, we had a lot of the ball with lots of passing but no impact” he added.
Prior to the return leg on Tuesday, 17th November 2026, Put eyes an improved game altogether.
“We have to be focused for the next game in Botswana. Everything is possible in Botswana. It should also be noted that we had several players missing” he added.
Credits James Bogere show:
In a special way, Put saluted the sharpness of teenager Bogere who scored the hosts’ goal on 7 minutes.
“He (Bogere) showed everything in training and we follow every bit of his action at his club in Denmark. We are very happy for him. He is still young. He is an important player for us. He is hard working and this is the time to take the opportunity” he spoke of the former U-17 international.
The Belgian calls for more playing time for a number of players at their respective clubs.
“You see, a number of players lack minutes at their clubs and this has affected us. Nevertheless, they remain quality players. Arnold Vula, Rogers Torach who was our best player on the day, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga can all perform better. It is my responsibility to push them” he spoke.
“Today (against Botswana), we struggled a lot in the midfield. We did many risks too in the game but they are good for the future. I do hope by the March 2027 window, every player will have recovered. Finally, I thank the Ugandan people for the support in the game” he signed out.
Uganda Cranes leads Group H with 5 points, one better than second placed Libya. Botswana has three points and Tunisia on one.
The Cranes will immediately travel to Botswana for the return leg.
