Allan Okello Rallies Uganda Cranes Before Tunisia Clash

Allan Okello urges Uganda Cranes to fight for every ball when they face Tunisia in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier in Radès.

Uganda Cranes midfielder Allan Okello has challenged his teammates to deliver an exceptional performance as they face Tunisia in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Group H encounter will be played at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:00 pm East African Time.

Although Uganda have already qualified automatically for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the match remains an important test for Paul Put’s developing squad. 

It gives the Cranes a chance to compete against one of Africa’s established national teams, improve their continental standing, and build towards a tournament they will help host.

Tunisia vs Uganda Match Details

CAF’s official Matchday One schedule confirms that Uganda are grouped with Tunisia, Libya and Botswana.

Okello Calls for Total Commitment

Okello joined the Uganda camp among the later arrivals as Paul Put worked to assemble his full squad in Tunisia. Despite the limited preparation period, the midfielder believes the players understand the size of the assignment.

Speaking before the game, Okello said the Cranes must “give 100%, 200%” to secure a positive result away from home.

The expression is not a tactical instruction but a demand for complete concentration, discipline and commitment. Uganda are likely to face long periods without the ball, meaning every defensive action and transition could influence the result.

Okello also indicated that the training sessions in Tunisia had helped the players work on solutions for dealing with their opponents. His comments suggest Uganda have focused on organisation and specific tactical responses rather than approaching the contest without a clear plan.

Limited Preparation Tests Paul Put

The Cranes’ preparations have been complicated by late arrivals, injuries and illness. Put initially travelled with several Uganda Premier League players before foreign-based members of the squad joined the camp.

That shortened build-up leaves the technical team with little time to establish partnerships and assess the condition of every player. The challenge is particularly significant in defence, where communication and positional discipline will be essential against Tunisia.

Uganda cannot afford to lose concentration around their penalty area. The midfield must remain compact, protect the defenders and avoid leaving large spaces when possession changes.

Okello’s ability to retain the ball, carry it through midfield and connect with the forwards could therefore be important. Uganda will need composure as well as effort if they are to relieve pressure and create attacking opportunities.

Lessons From the Previous Tunisia Meeting

Uganda’s previous senior meeting with Tunisia ended in a 2-0 friendly defeat in 2017. That result does not determine what will happen in Radès, but it provides a reminder of the punishment that can follow defensive mistakes against experienced opposition.

Okello believes the current squad has a better understanding of Tunisia than Uganda had before the earlier meeting. The Cranes are expected to respect their opponents without approaching the game with fear.

For Uganda, the central lesson is the importance of concentration across the entire match. A disciplined opening period could help the team settle, while careless possession or unnecessary fouls near the penalty area would increase the pressure.

Uganda’s 26-Player Squad in Tunisia

The Cranes completed their preparations with a 26-player group. Experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango is joined by Hannington Ssebwalunyo and David Lukwago.

The defensive options include Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Gavin Kizito, Nathan Asiimwe, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, Jonathan Odongo, Geofrey Lubanga and Abdu Aziizi Kayondo.

Okello is part of a midfield and attacking group that also features Allan Oyirwoth, Travis Mutyaba, Noble Okello, Baba Alhassan, Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato, Steven Mukwala, Frank Ssebufu, James Bogere, Hassan Mubiru and Richard Basangwa.

The combination gives Put a mixture of senior experience, foreign-based players and emerging Ugandan talent.

What Uganda Must Get Right

Uganda’s priority should be defensive organisation. The back line and midfield need to move together, deny Tunisia central spaces and remain alert to runners arriving from deeper positions.

The Cranes must also use possession efficiently. Clearing the ball repeatedly would invite another Tunisian attack, so midfielders such as Okello and Mutyaba may be asked to provide calmness when Uganda regain control.

Set pieces could offer an important attacking route. Uganda have players capable of competing in the air, but the delivery and movement must be accurate.

Put must also manage the game from the bench. With limited preparation and a demanding schedule ahead, substitutions could be important if players begin to tire.

Why the Qualifiers Still Matter to Uganda

Uganda are guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 because of their co-host status. However, CAF has confirmed that the Cranes will still participate in the qualification group.

The campaign gives Put competitive matches in which to assess players, develop combinations and strengthen the team before the finals. It also allows Uganda to measure themselves against opponents they could meet when the tournament begins.

After facing Tunisia, the Cranes will host Libya at Hoima City Stadium on September 29. That fixture is expected to mark a major moment for international football at the new venue.

Match Outlook

Tunisia will carry the advantage of playing at home and have historically been difficult opponents for Uganda. The Cranes will need a disciplined defensive display, controlled transitions and greater efficiency with the chances they create.

A positive result is possible, but it is not assured. Uganda’s prospects will depend on maintaining concentration, avoiding cheap turnovers and translating Okello’s call for commitment into an organised team performance.

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Conclusion

Okello’s message captures the scale of Uganda’s challenge in Radès. Effort alone will not be enough, but maximum commitment combined with tactical discipline could give the Cranes a platform to compete.

The Tunisia match is more than a qualifier involving an already-qualified co-host. It is an examination of Uganda’s readiness, depth, and ability to perform against strong African opposition as the journey towards AFCON 2027 gathers pace.