Uganda Cranes lose Mato to injury ahead of Botswana qualifier

The winger had enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026/27 season with Hearts across all competitions, particularly in the Scottish Premiership and UEFA Conference League, where his performances in different positions earned him praise from both Hearts and Cranes fans.

The former KCCA and Proline FC player has recently demonstrated his versatility by featuring in defensive positions, a departure from the attacking roles Cranes fans are accustomed to seeing him play.

He started at right-back against Turkish side Trabzonspor in the UEFA Conference League, where he made life difficult for Egyptian captain and Liverpool FC legend Mohamed Salah, before occupying the same position in Hearts’ 2-0 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

He was subsequently deployed at left-back in their 2-2 home draw against Rangers. However, Mato was substituted during the Rangers encounter after picking up an injury, the severity of which is yet to be established.

His absence will be a setback for Put, particularly considering Mato’s contribution to Uganda’s qualifying campaign.

Mato scored in the Cranes’ 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Tunis in their opening Group H fixture.

“Mato will not be playing because he is injured. We hope we will get the go-ahead from FIFA for Abdoulaye Sissako and Udoh Akpan, but the other players will be available,” said Put.

The experienced Belgian tactician made the remarks on Monday at the Mandela National Stadium’s Namboole annex training pitch, where the Cranes began preparations for Saturday’s encounter.

Sissako and Akpan are among the recently naturalised players whose change of international allegiance to Uganda is still awaiting FIFA clearance.

Meanwhile, the Cranes’ first training session attracted only nine players: Kenneth Semakula, Herbert Achayi, Frank Ssebuufu, Gift Jonathan Odongo, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Hillary Mukundane, David Lukwago and Kingdom Osayi.

The camp is expected to receive more players on Tuesday, with all 29 available members of the initially summoned 30-man squad expected to be in camp by Thursday.

Uganda Cranes players warming up during a training session ahead of Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Botswana. (Photo by Ismail Mulangwa)

For captain Aucho, Saturday’s match will carry special significance as he prepares to make his final appearance for the national team following his recent announcement that he will retire from international football after 13 years of service to the Cranes.

Aucho expressed gratitude to FUFA and Put for giving him the opportunity to conclude his international career in front of the home supporters.

“I want to thank FUFA, coach Put and my teammates. It is an honour for me to finish my international career with my fans at home,” said Aucho.

Uganda tops Group H with four points from two matches. Tunisia and Botswana are level on two points each, with Libya fourth on one point. All four teams have played two matches.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host the 2027 AFCON finals from June 19 to July 17, marking the first time the continent’s flagship football tournament will be staged across three countries.