After the 3-1 massacre at the hands of Tunisia, it was inevitable that Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put would ring changes, particularly in the engine room.
The midfield that started the opener looked short on bite and ideas, and by the time the dust settled in Rabat on Saturday night, the Belgian gaffer’s reboot had at least offered hope, if not yet salvation.
Against the Tunisians last week, the preferred trio of Kenneth Ssemakula, Khalid Aucho and Melvyn Lorenzen appeared paperweight, outthought and outmuscled.
They failed to boss possession, struggled to locate attacks and rarely initiated play with purpose, leaving the backline exposed and the forwards isolated. That performance all but forced Put’s hand ahead of the East African derby with Tanzania.
The 1-1 draw against the Taifa Stars showcased a different complexion in midfield, with Alhassan Baba, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Travis Mutyaba largely impressing when given their chance.
While the result leaves both neighbours staring at possible elimination, Uganda’s central areas finally showed balance, energy and a clearer identity.
Renewed vigour
Mutyaba was the spark. Comfortable in possession and brave on the ball, the youngster beat opponents with ease and injected creativity that had been sorely lacking.
His willingness to receive under pressure and drive Uganda forward kept Tanzania guessing, especially in the first half.
Bobosi, meanwhile, provided range and vision, his trademark long passes opening channels and helping Uganda transition quicker from defence to attack. Though he faded later as the midfield battle intensified, his contribution in setting the tempo was vital.
Baba’s role was more understated but no less important. Tasked with linking defence and midfield, he consistently made himself available, helping Uganda play out from the back.
The unfortunate handball that led to Tanzania’s penalty should not overshadow an otherwise disciplined display that added steel and structure.
Notably, Khalid Aucho’s omission stood out. With the armband also rested, leadership deservedly returned to Denis Onyango’s bicep.
The former long-serving Cranes skipper showed no nerves, commanding his area and marshalling the side in a game Uganda came close to winning – had Allan Okello converted from 12 yards late on.
APR’s Ronald Ssekiganda was introduced at one point to further galvanise the midfield, but by then the groundwork had already been laid by the aforementioned trio.
Their chemistry allowed Uganda to compete, even as the heavens opened and the contest turned chaotic.
West African test
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s clash with physically endowed Nigeria, Put may be tempted to stick with this progressive midfield blend.
Only a vibrant unit – laced with hard work, chemistry and compactness – can lift the Cranes past a Super Eagles side boasting Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze.
In contrast, Ssemakula looked far more comfortable defending at right back than controlling midfield traffic, where his understanding with Aucho remains suspect.
Uganda may still be on the brink, but the midfield rejig has at least brewed relief – and belief – that progress is not entirely out of reach.
BIG BOLD CALLS
Selection Migraine? Midfield is where matches are controlled or surrendered, and Put’s Tunisia selections simply failed the test. Against Tanzania, the shift toward Baba, Bobosi and Mutyaba revealed a unit capable of competing physically while still offering creativity. The question now is whether the coach treats this as a one-off correction or the foundation of a new identity – especially with Nigeria’s power looming next.
WHAT CHANGED
Coach: Paul Put
Match: Uganda 1-1 Tanzania
Tournament: AFCON 2025
Midfield Trio vs Tanzania: Baba, Bobosi, Mutyaba
Dropped from Tunisia XI: Aucho, Ssemakula, Lorenzen
Key Attribute Gained: Balance
Captaincy Shift: Onyango recalled
Sub Impact: Ronald Ssekiganda
Missed Chance: Okello late penalty
Next Test: Nigeria (must-win)