Uganda Cranes Gear Up in Morocco Ahead of AFCON 2025 Kickoff

Uganda, grouped with Nigeria in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, has entered the final stage of preparations in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the tournament running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Uganda Cranes delegation, led by head coach Paul Put, assistant Fred Muhumuza, and the full technical and support team, departed Entebbe International Airport on Sunday evening via Qatar Airways flight QR1384. Seventeen players are already in camp, while the remaining 13 will join the squad directly from their clubs. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has also deployed 17 officials for the assignment.

The team is set to play two warm-up friendlies as they finalize preparations. Put initially named a 30-man provisional squad, including 30-year-old Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, a St. Johnstone forward of Nigerian descent. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango returns among four goalkeepers, while teenage sensation James Bogere earns his first senior call-up following standout performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Attacking options are strengthened by in-form striker Mato Rogers, who has netted 15 goals in 17 matches for FK Vardar this season. The squad also sees the return of Baba Alhassan and Melvyn Lorenzen, who impressed in Uganda’s November friendlies.

Under CAF regulations, Put is expected to trim the squad by two players, though changes may vary depending on team strategy. Uganda opens its AFCON campaign against Tunisia on December 23 before facing Nigeria and Tanzania in what is regarded as one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Ahead of their clash with Nigeria, Put stated the team will respect the Super Eagles’ talent but will not be intimidated. “Nigeria are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad, with top talent and European experience. We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves,” he said.

This tournament marks Uganda’s eighth AFCON appearance and their first since 2019. Their best result came in 1978, when they reached the final but fell to Ghana.