With Uganda set to take on South Africa in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, manager Paul Put has lauded the quality of Hugo Broos' side.
The two nations are scheduled to go toe to toe on 15 November and after announcing his squad, the 68-year-old will be looking to secure his side a spot in the tournament set to be hosted in Morocco next year.
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With just two qualifiers remaining for each team, the Cranes are sitting pretty at the top of Group K with 10 points, needing just one more to advance.
However, Put has suggested that it will not be easy to do so.
"In our case we still need one more point and it will be very tough, because you play one of the best countries in Africa with South Africa," the Belgian tactician said per NTV Uganda.
"We know their quality, we know it's a very good team so they were not by coincidence in the semi-finals in the last Africa Cup, but we play at home."
Bafana Bafana are right behind them with eight points and can also book their place in the continental showpiece by the end of the November international break.
With Uganda coming into the game on the back of three consecutive victories, the manager said that his side hold their destiny in their own hands.
"My players, they have the spirit and the belief that we can qualify," the coach continued.
"Because if you don't take it now then it will be very difficult.
"We have to take it when you have it in the hands, so we have it in the hands and we cannot let let it loose."
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The Cranes' coach has considerable AFCON experience, having competed in it with his former sides Guinea and Burkina Faso, leading the latter to the semi-finals in 2013.
By Junaid Benjamin
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