Reviewed by Michael AinomugishaUganda sports betting writer
Published 18 September 2026 · Updated 25 September 2026
Paul Put has named his Uganda squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, a campaign the Cranes enter with their place at the finals already secured.
Uganda are in Group H with Tunisia, Libya and Botswana. They drew one all with Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès on 24 September, Rogers Mato scoring for Uganda, and they face Libya on 29 September. Two friendly matches against DR Congo follow in early October.
Put said he was pleased with the form and fitness of the players called up, and explained that some of the more familiar names were left out because they lack competitive minutes after recent transfers or are still working back from long injuries. He was clear that the omissions are not permanent.
Qualified already, and still playing the group
Uganda co host the 2027 finals with Kenya and Tanzania, so the Cranes are in the tournament whatever happens in Group H. The group is still played, and in the three groups that contain a co host only one qualifying place is available, for the best placed side other than the host.
That produces an unusual set of matches. Tunisia, Libya and Botswana are playing for something Uganda cannot lose and cannot win, which removes the pressure on the Cranes and puts a different kind of pressure on the opposition.
It also changes what the fixtures are for. Uganda are not trying to reach 2027. They are trying to arrive at a home tournament with a settled side, and a Tunisian team ranked among Africa’s strongest is a better test of that than most friendlies would be.
What to watch in Put’s list
The squad mixes the domestic clubs with players based in England, Germany, Morocco and across East Africa. Put has used the window to widen the pool rather than protect it, which is the sensible use of matches whose result does not decide Uganda’s season.
Where to bet: Cranes qualifiers are priced in shillings by Fortebet and Betway, both licensed by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, on match result, both teams to score, total goals and first scorer, with deposits through MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. Prices on a group where one side is already qualified can sit wide of the form, because the books are pricing motivation as much as ability, so compare the two before you stake. Our guide to the best betting sites in Uganda covers licensing and withdrawal times, and there is more in Uganda soccer news from AXN Sports. You must be 25 or older to bet in Uganda, where the Lotteries and Gaming Act sets the minimum age at 25 rather than 18. 25+. Gamble responsibly.
