The Uganda Cranes will miss two key players in their Group G FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier tie against Botswana.

The Uganda Cranes, who have already collected three points from two matches played, will host the Zebras of Botswana in the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday.

Head coach Paul Put told Xinhua on Thursday that although the team has been preparing well, the two players will not be part because of different challenges. He explained that team captain Khalid Aucho is nursing an injury, while Rogers Mato who features for Brera Strumica in North Macedonia had travel challenges and will only arrive a few hours to the match.

"It is unfortunate that some of the key players will miss the match. But we are prepared to organize the players available to get a good result against Botswana," added Put who has now been with the team for six months.

He made it clear that his team will have to be very cautious and make the home advantage count. "It is always good to be playing at home in front of a big crowd. We shall work hard to make sure that we get a good result," added the coach.

Isaac Muleme, one of Uganda Cranes defenders who plies his trade with Czech side Viktoria Zizkov said that they are excited to be returning to play at home at the Mandela National Stadium. "As a team we are very excited to be returning to the Stadium after four years, and we call upon the fans to come in big numbers to motivate us," added Muleme.

Nine African teams will directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 if they top their groups during the qualifiers. The best four group runners-up will participate in play-offs to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs where Africa will get another one slot.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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