The locally based Uganda Cranes players arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday morning aboard EgyptAir as they begin preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mozambique.
Led by head coach Paul Put, the team will be based at Tolip Gardens Hotel, where they will be joined by foreign-based players arriving directly from their respective clubs.
The match against Mozambique, scheduled for March 20, will be played in Egypt instead of Mozambique’s home soil due to the country’s lack of a FIFA-approved stadium. As a result, Mozambique will be forced to host their “home” fixture on neutral ground—an advantage Uganda will aim to capitalize on as they push for vital points in Group G.
Following the clash with Mozambique, the Cranes will return to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, for their March 25 home fixture against Guinea.
Uganda is currently fifth in Group G with six points, level with Guinea and Botswana, while Algeria and Mozambique lead the table with nine points each. Securing maximum points from these two fixtures will be crucial for Uganda’s hopes of advancing in the qualifiers.
With training set to commence immediately, Put and his technical team will focus on fine-tuning tactics and ensuring the squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.
Key players like Muhammad Shaban, who netted Uganda’s winner against Botswana, will be instrumental as the Cranes continue their quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
