Uganda Coach Unfazed by Tunisia’s Perfect Record
Uganda coach Paul Put believes Tunisia’s flawless record will not be a decisive factor ahead of the two teams’ clash in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Tunisia have not lost in their last seven matches, drawing 1-1 in their most recent friendly against Brazil. They also completed the African World Cup qualifiers without conceding a single goal, winning nine times and remaining unbeaten in ten matches.
Uganda, meanwhile, have lost twice in their last three games—against Algeria in World Cup qualifiers and Morocco in a friendly—and will test themselves against another North African team in the opening match of Group C.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Put said: “To be honest, I don’t care about these things. We are facing Tunisia, who haven’t lost in several matches.”
The Belgian coach, whose team is ranked 85th in the world, added: “They are a big team with a very good squad, but we also have a good team.”
Uganda began preparations for the tournament on December 8 in Morocco, despite FIFA’s decision allowing overseas-based players to join their national teams only one week before the tournament, which kicked off on December 21.
But Put refused to use that as an excuse, emphasizing that the tournament is a special opportunity for all players and they must make the most of it.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity. You are not only playing for Africa, but for the whole world that is watching this tournament. I believe we are motivated and we will do our best to perform well.”
