Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put believes patience with midfielder Baba Alhassan is beginning to produce the performances he expected.
Alhassan impressed alongside Noble Okello as Uganda collected four points from their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The pair started in midfield during the 1-1 draw against Tunisia before retaining their places against Libya.
Uganda followed the Tunis result with a 1-0 victory over Libya at Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday.
Put was particularly encouraged by their work without possession and willingness to compete physically in central areas.
“I think in both games they played very well,” Put said. “They were present in the duels and did what we had been asking and training them to do.”
Put admitted Uganda’s approach placed considerable responsibility on the 2 midfielders because of their aggressive positioning.
The Cranes occasionally left space between midfield and defence while attempting to pressure Libya higher up the pitch.
“We played with a lot of risk because we tried to play aggressively with the 2 midfielders,” Put said.
“There was a gap between them and the defence, but I asked the centre-backs to step in.”
Put believes Okello has already demonstrated that he can add another dimension to Uganda’s midfield.
“Noble Okello has shown in these few games that he can reinforce the team,” Put said.
The coach was equally encouraged by Alhassan, whose performances have improved following a difficult start with the national team.
Put admitted the midfielder had previously struggled to reproduce the performances expected from him at international level.
“Baba has a different mentality now compared to the beginning,” Put said. “We were patient with Baba. He didn’t perform before like he is performing now.”
Put believes that patience has allowed Alhassan to settle and better understand the demands of Uganda’s midfield.
“He has improved a lot and has proved that he is a good player,” Put said.
The coach expects the partnership to improve further as both players become more familiar with Uganda’s tactical approach.
“They play with a lot of intelligence. When you play with 3 at the back, you know you have to win a lot in midfield, Put said
Put will hope that progress continues as Uganda builds towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
But he will have more time to asses Alhassan when the Cranes plays two friendly games against the DRC on October 2nd and 5th in South Africa