Put, Onyango: Cranes Ready For Libya Test In Hoima
The Uganda Cranes are set for their first ever international game at Hoima City Stadium when they host Libya in the AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers on Tuesday, 30th September 2026.
The encounter, which kicks off at 7:00 PM, comes just days after Uganda picked up a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Tunisia in the opening qualifier. With Uganda already qualified as co-hosts, the game against Libya offers another chance to test new faces and build momentum ahead of two friendly matches against DR Congo in South Africa.
Put on recovery after Tunisia trip
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, head coach Paul Put said the team is recovering from a demanding travel schedule after the Tunisia trip.
‘We had a long travel to go to Tunisia, play in Tunisia in only two days preparation, then came back. We delayed, so the players were very tired on Sunday.
Put calls for patience with new players
The Belgian also urged patience as the technical team integrates new players into the squad.
‘First of all, we have to be patient with the new players, because they are only here for two days. So integration is always important. Integration always takes time,’ he told the media.
Put on AFCON lessons and strengthening the squad
Put admitted Uganda found it tough against top opposition at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and revealed efforts have been made to strengthen the team.
‘We have to be honest. We played AFCON. I think before AFCON, we did it very well, the team. We did good results in the World Cup, also for our qualification. But in AFCON, we had to be realistic. And if we played the big teams, we had it difficult,’ he said.
‘We have been trying to reinforce the team. And now it’s also on them to prove that they really can reinforce the team,’ he added while speaking to the media.
Onyango excited by Hoima Stadium
Captain Denis Onyango, who will lead the team at the new Hoima venue for the first time, praised the stadium and the warm reception in Bunyoro while speaking to the media.
‘First of all, we want to thank everyone who made it possible for us to be here. And of course, to the beautiful stadium, because it’s my first time as well at the stadium. It’s amazing, and we can’t wait for the game tomorrow,’ Onyango told the media.
Onyango: Travel fatigue not an excuse
He insisted travel fatigue cannot be used as an excuse.
‘Of course, as the coach said, a little bit of hiccups here and there in terms of our travelling, but the opposition as well also face the same challenge. So it can never be an excuse. We just need to play the game, because at the end of the day we have to play the game,’ he told the media.
Onyango wants to make Hoima a fortress
Onyango said the players are eager to make Hoima a fortress for the national team.
‘First game in Hoima for the national team. But we just want to make it a fortress and try and get the results that everyone expects us to get,’ he told the media.
The Cranes will be hoping to give the home fans in Hoima something to celebrate as they continue preparations for life beyond AFCON qualification, with eyes now on building a stronger squad for the tournament on home soil.