AFCON 2025 : Uganda begin final AFCON preparations in Morocco as decisive group c battles loom

Uganda have commenced the final stage of their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, setting up camp in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, Sport360NG reports.

The Cranes departed Entebbe International Airport on Sunday evening aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1384, led by head coach Paul Put, his assistant Fred Muhumuza, and the full technical and administrative delegation.

Seventeen players have already arrived in camp, while the remaining 13 are expected to join directly in Morocco from their various clubs. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations confirmed that 17 officials will also be part of the contingent throughout the preparations.

The team is expected to play two friendly matches as part of their build-up. Put had earlier announced a 30-man provisional squad that included St Johnstone forward Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, a 30-year-old of Nigerian descent.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has been recalled as one of four goalkeepers named, while 17-year-old James Bogere earns his first senior invite following an impressive outing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

In attack, FK Vardar striker Mato Rogers, who has netted 15 goals in 17 appearances this season, leads a forward line strengthened by the return of Baba Alhassan and Melvyn Lorenzen, both of whom impressed in Uganda’s November friendlies.

Under CAF’s revised squad regulations, Put is required to drop only two players from the provisional list, although adjustments could be made depending on the team’s tactical plans.

Uganda open their AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tunisia before taking on Nigeria and Tanzania in what many consider one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.

Despite the daunting task, Put insists the Cranes will approach the challenge with confidence.
“Nigeria are a perennial powerhouse with quality across the pitch. We respect them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves,” he told CAFOnline.com.

The Morocco finals will mark Uganda’s eighth AFCON appearance and their first since 2019. Their best run remains the 1978 edition, where they reached the final before losing to Ghana.