Uganda Cranes Head to Morocco as Countdown to AFCON 2025 Heats Up

The Uganda Cranes have embarked on a crucial tour to Morocco, where they will play two international friendlies as part of their preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

Having already secured their spot among the 24 nations competing in the continental tournament, Uganda will leverage the November FIFA international window to refine their strategy and build team chemistry ahead of the finals.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed the schedule, with the Cranes set to face Chad on November 14, followed by a match against the host nation, Morocco, on November 18. Both games will be held in Casablanca.

A delegation of locally-based players and officials, led by Head of Delegation Dan Obote, departed from Entebbe International Airport on Sunday. They will link up with their foreign-based teammates upon arrival in Morocco.

The technical team for the tour includes Head Coach Paul Put, Assistant Coach Sam Ssimbwa, and Team Coordinator Geoffrey Massa.

Other staff include Team Doctor Emmanuel Nakabago, Physiotherapist Ivan Ssewanyana, Kit Manager Samuel Mulondo, Media Officer Conrad Musiime, and FUFA TV producer Kilian Kelvin Kwabufu.

FUFA has stressed the importance of these friendlies, viewing them as a vital opportunity to test player combinations and sharpen the team's competitive edge for a strong showing at next year's tournament.

The squad combines players from the domestic league with those plying their trade abroad.

Local-based players - Torach Rogers (Vipers SC), Kwikiriza Shafik (KCCA FC), Kiggundu Denis (Vipers SC), Okello Allan (Vipers SC), Achayi Herbert (KCCA FC), Ssemugabi Jude (Janus FC), Mukundane Hilary (Vipers SC), Oyirwoth Allan (New England Revolution FC), Aliro Moses (URA FC), Mpande Reagan (SC Villa), and Ikara Tom (BUL FC).

Foreign-Based Players - Magoola Salim Omar (Richards Bay), Onyango Denis (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sibbick Toby (Burton Albion), Elio Caprodossi (Universitatea Cluj), Obita Jordan (Hibernian), Kayondo Azizi (Slovan Liberec), Awany Timothy (FC Ashdod), Semakula Kenneth (Al-Adalah), Aucho Khalid (Singida Black Stars), Al Hassan Baba (Fotbal Club FCSB), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Oakland Roots SC), Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong UTD), Mutyaba Travis (CS Sfaxien), Mpande Joseph (PVF Can Tho), Mato Rogers (FK Vardar), Ikpeazu Uchechukwu (St Johnstone FC) and Mukwala Steven (Simba SC).