Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put has received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea, as UK-based defender Toby Sibbick returns to the provisional squad.
Sibbick, who made his debut in March 2024 in a 2-2 friendly game against Ghana in Marrakech, has been in impressive form for his new club, Wigan Athletic, in the league. One. The 25-year-old London-born Ugandan has secured regular minutes, starting in over 50% of the games and boasting a goal participation rate of 3%. Sibbick has demonstrated exceptional discipline, with no suspensions or bookings
recorded in his name in over 20 games for Wigan Athletic.
Sibbick’s return brings experience, exposure, and versatility to the Uganda Cranes squad. With the absence of Saudi-based Halid Lwaliwa and Italian-based Elio Capradossi, Sibbick’s presence will be crucial in the team’s quest for success. Standing 6 feet tall, Sibbick will likely partner with experienced defenders Bevis Mugabi and Timothy Awany, and his strong attributes in positions including centre- back, right-back, and defensive midfield will provide coach Put with more options.
What Uganda should know about their opponents:
Mozambique has won twice, lost twice, and drawn once in their last five encounters. They secured wins against Eswatini (3-0) and Guinea-Bissau (2-1) in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but lost to Mali (1-0) and Zambia (3-0) in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and CHAN qualifiers, respectively.
Guinea, on the other hand, has been in impressive form, winning four times and losing once in their last five games. They secured wins against DR Congo (1-0) and Ethiopia (4-1, 0-3) in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as well as a 4-1 win against Guinea-Bissau in a friendly. However, they suffered a 1-0 loss to Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Guinea boasts a talented squad, including former France U-16, 19, and 20 international Serhou Guirassy, who has over 10 goals in over 20 appearances for German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
With Sibbick’s return and the team’s determination, Uganda Cranes will be looking to secure crucial wins against Mozambique and Guinea and take a step closer to World Cup qualification.
Leave a Reply