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Belgian coach Paul Put faces a daunting task – he must first learn from Somalia’s defensive masterclass, which saw the Ocean Stars frustrate a star-studded Guinea side to a barren draw in Abidjan last week.
With their backs against the wall and national pride on the line, Uganda Cranes must now fight tooth and nail to salvage their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign.
Belgian coach Paul Put faces a daunting task – he must first learn from Somalia’s defensive masterclass, which saw the Ocean Stars frustrate a star-studded Guinea side to a barren draw in Abidjan last week.
Only then can he plot to waylay the wounded Syli Nationale for goals at Namboole Stadium.
The stakes couldn’t be higher in Group G. Guinea sits third with seven points, five adrift of joint leaders Algeria and Mozambique (12 points). Uganda, reeling from three defeats in five games, languishes in second-bottom with six points.
As the Cranes seek redemption after their 3-1 loss to Mozambique, Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer finds himself in a pressure cooker, knowing anything short of victory could cripple their qualification hopes.
Dussuyer vow
After the shock stalemate against Somalia, Dussuyer did not mince words about the mood in his camp.
“It’s inconceivable not to have scored. This was a match we simply had to win. Obviously, there is huge disappointment. The objective was three points, and now we must shift our focus to Uganda. We have to prove ourselves quickly and get the job done in Kampala.”
Now, against a Uganda side eager to capitalize on home advantage, Dussuyer knows his men must sharpen their finishing or risk another bitter setback.
“We have to react. It is a tough pill to swallow, but we will lift the boys’ spirits. Efficiency in front of goal is now our biggest priority,” he stressed.
For Put, the blueprint is clear – if Somalia could stifle Guinea, so can Uganda. But beyond defensive solidity, the Cranes must also seize their attacking moments with ruthless precision.
The clash at Namboole is more than just a battle for points; it is a fight for pride, and Uganda cannot afford to let their home fortress crumble.
Hungry Guirassy
Guinea’s attacking approach is well-structured, built on precision and fluid movement, with their reliance on Borussia Dortmund’s marksman Serhou Guirassy being impossible to overlook.
Under Michel Dussuyer’s preferred 4-3-3 system, the Syli Nationale deploys a three-pronged attack featuring Morlaye Sylla, Guirassy, and François Kamano, all of whom possess the ability to turn half-chances into goals.
The team’s heartbeat, however, lies in midfield maestro Aguibou Camara, the orchestrator tasked with dictating the tempo, linking defence to attack, and threading crucial passes into the final third.
Guinea’s offensive blueprint often leans heavily on the left flank, where marauding fullback Sekou Sylla provides width and depth, creating overloads to stretch opposing defences.
Uganda must take notes from that game – close down Camara, cut off the supply to Guirassy, and force Guinea into uncomfortable attacking zones.
If Put can disrupt this rhythm, the Cranes might just stand a chance of grounding the wounded Guineans at Namboole.
New-look defence
Put, who also favors the 4-3-3 formation, a defensive reshuffle is imperative if Uganda is to stand firm against Guinea’s attacking onslaught.
The right fullback position remains a critical decision, with KCCA’s Garvin Kizito and Esperance’s versatile Kenneth Ssemakula both presenting solid options.
On the left, Aziizi Kayondo’s adventurous runs could stretch Guinea’s wide players, while the experienced Isaac Muleme offers defensive stability.
However, the most pressing change must come at the heart of defense – Italy-based center-back Elio Capradossi should partner the battle-hardened Timothy Awany, replacing the robotic Bevis Mugabi, whose sluggish reactions have proved costly.
And after a string of error-prone decisions, goal-riddled custodian Ismail Watenga is set to make way for Nafian Alionzi, who brings a commanding presence between the sticks.
2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers
Group G
Tuesday at Namboole
Uganda vs. Guinea, 7pm
