Cranes Eye AFCON Qualification as Preparations Intensify

The Uganda Cranes are gearing up for what head coach Paul Put has described as "the most important qualifying window in a generation" as they prepare for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger and South Africa.

Put, who took charge of the national team in January, has named a provisional 25-man squad that includes several European-based players receiving their first call-ups. Among them is midfielder Isaac Muleme, who has impressed in his debut season with Belgian side KV Mechelen, and striker Patrick Kaddu Jr., currently on loan at a second-division Spanish club from Vipers SC.

Uganda sit second in Group F with seven points from four matches, one point behind South Africa and three ahead of Niger. A win in either fixture would all but guarantee qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco next year.

FUFA president Moses Magogo has confirmed that ticket prices will be subsidised to ensure maximum attendance. "The Cranes belong to all Ugandans," Magogo said. "We want every seat filled."