Cranes begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tunisia in Radès

Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jana Somero / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Uganda Cranes kick off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Tunisia at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès on Thursday evening.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm local time, which is 10:00pm East African Time.

Head coach Paul Put acknowledged the quality of the Tunisian side but insisted Uganda are in Radès to compete and develop.

"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 praised the discipline and focus of the squad during their preparations in Tunis.

Captain Denis Onyango echoed the competitive mindset, recognising Tunisia's World Cup pedigree but vowing to make life difficult for the hosts.

"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," Onyango said.

The veteran goalkeeper welcomed the infusion of young players into the group, hoping the new generation can contribute positively.

Onyango stressed that Thursday's qualifier presents a different challenge from their previous AFCON group-stage meeting.

"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."

The Cranes captain framed the assignment as a matter of national pride beyond the result.

"We are here to protect the flag. We are not here for a holiday, we are here to work and try and make the country proud."