Cranes start AFCON test

For Uganda Cranes, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign carries a different meaning this time.

Already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda are using the campaign to test, shape and strengthen the national team rather than fight for qualification.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) requires host nations to participate in the qualifiers despite their automatic places, primarily to maintain competitive readiness and match fitness ahead of the finals.

Uganda Cranes’ Group H campaign against Tunisia, Libya and Botswana, therefore, offers valuable competitive exposure and an opportunity to build a squad capable of competing when the continental showpiece arrives in 2027.

The first test comes on Thursday, September 24, when the Cranes face Tunisia at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades at 10pm Ugandan time. Tunisia represents a formidable challenge.

The Cranes have struggled against the Carthage Eagles(as Tunisia’s national team is fondly nicknamed), with the last six meetings producing only two goals for Cranes and 19 against.

Those numbers underline the difficulty of the task, but also give Uganda a useful benchmark against one of Africa’s established football nations. Tunisia will also be seeking to rebuild confidence after a disappointing 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign.

The Carthage Eagles had produced a remarkable qualifying run, becoming the first team to qualify for the World Cup without conceding, but scored only twice and conceded 12 goals at the finals.

For the Cranes, Thursday’s encounter presents an opportunity to test their progress and chase a first-ever victory over Tunisia. It also offers coach and players another competitive platform to develop a squad for the bigger assignment awaiting on home soil in 2027.

**HOIMA MAKES HISTORY **

The campaign takes another significant turn on Tuesday, September 29, when Uganda host Libya at Hoima City stadium at 7pm.

The fixture will mark the first Uganda Cranes competitive international match outside Kampala and the metropolitan area, excluding Cecafa Championship matches, opening a new chapter in the decentralisation of national-team football.

It takes international football to the Bunyoro region while giving supporters outside Kampala the chance to watch Cranes in a major competitive fixture.

The match will also showcase the new 20,000-capacity Hoima City stadium, a Caf-certified facility built to international standards. However, only 18,000 spectators will be permitted for this particular game.

With Uganda preparing to co-host Afcon 2027, the Hoima fixture carries significance beyond Group H. It tests not only Cranes on the pitch, but also Uganda’s ability to take international football beyond Kampala and broaden the tournament’s footprint.

The result will matter, but so will the lessons gained from a campaign designed to prepare Uganda for the biggest continental assignment on home soil

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