Sissako eager to make his mark with Uganda Cranes

Abdoulaye Sissako is eager to give his all for Uganda Cranes, insisting that representing the country is a responsibility he will never use fatigue as an excuse to avoid.

The midfielder, who is still waiting for final FIFA clearance to feature in competitive matches for Uganda, has already set his sights on helping the Cranes grow and compete for honours whenever he gets the opportunity.

“I prepare for that; we are training even though I’m a little bit tired because I play a lot of games,” Sissako said.

“I know that now for the country it’s a different thing. There is no way I can complain and say I’m tired. So I will give everything if the coach trusts in me.”

His enthusiasm comes at a time when Uganda are preparing to host Botswana in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Hoima City Stadium on November 14.

However, Sissako will not be part of the action. Despite being called up by head coach Paul Put and featuring in Uganda’s October international matches against DR Congo and Libya, the midfielder is yet to receive the final FIFA approval required to represent the Cranes in competitive fixtures.

The former France Under-18 and Under-19 international impressed during those appearances, providing an assist in Uganda’s 2-0 victory over DR Congo and showing why he could become an important addition to the midfield once his international clearance is completed.

Sissako has 20 appearances and one goal for France’s youth teams and currently plays for Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truidense V.V.

His experience in European football brings another dimension to Uganda’s midfield. Comfortable operating as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder, he combines physical strength with tactical discipline, composure and the ability to distribute the ball from deep positions.

He also offers something going forward, having already demonstrated his ability to link defence with attack and contribute in the final third.

While he waits for the paperwork to be completed, Sissako has found reasons to be excited about his new football home.

He was particularly taken by the reception the Cranes received during their victory over Libya at Hoima City Stadium, although he had to watch that occasion from the stands.

“It’s amazing. I watched the game against Libya. I was there in the stands,” he said.

“The atmosphere was crazy. I enjoyed the moment of a winning game. I want to be on the pitch, win also and feel this atmosphere.”

It is an experience he hopes to enjoy more often, but his ambitions stretch beyond simply getting onto the pitch.

Sissako wants to grow alongside the team and help Uganda reach a level where competing with Africa’s best becomes a regular expectation rather than an ambition.

“For me, it can only be a promise to my future ambition. First, we know that the AFCON is coming really fast, and I want to grow with the team and bring the team where we have to be,” he added.

“To go as far as possible in the competition is the target. It’s not a dream; we don’t have to dream because we have the quality to do it.

“It’s also a task for all players.”

Meanwhile, the Cranes have made a promising start to their Group H campaign, collecting four points from their opening two matches to sit at the top of the standings.

Uganda began with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Tunisia on September 24 at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès. Rogers Mato scored a second-half equaliser to earn the Cranes their first-ever point away against Tunisia.

They returned home five days later and secured a 1-0 victory over Libya at the Hoima City Stadium. Debutant Arnold Vula scored the decisive goal, while veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango made crucial early saves to protect Uganda’s advantage and secure a clean sheet.

The Cranes now turn their attention to Botswana, who visit Hoima on November 14 for a 7:00 p.m. kick-off.

Botswana occupy second place in Group H with two points, level with Tunisia, who are third on goal difference. Both sides have drawn their opening two matches, although Botswana have scored four goals and conceded four, compared to Tunisia’s three goals scored and three conceded.

Libya are fourth with one point after suffering defeat against Uganda.

Uganda are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania; the qualifiers remain important for building match fitness and improving their ranking.

The campaign also carries significance for the other nations in Group H, with only the highest-finishing non-host team securing the remaining qualification ticket.

For now, Sissako must wait for FIFA’s final clearance before he can compete in official matches for the Cranes. But his message is unmistakable: he is ready to work, give everything and help Uganda go as far as their quality allows.

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