AFCON 2025: Uganda Cranes Coach to Ring the Changes Ahead Gabon Test

As the Uganda Cranes fine-tune their strategy for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, coach Paul Put is expected to rotate his squad for Wednesday's friendly against Gabon.

The move comes after a valuable 2-2 draw against Moroccan club side AS Far Rabat, which provided crucial insights ahead of their Group C opener against Tunisia.

The friendly against AS Far Rabat served as a vital litmus test, allowing Put to assess his team's strengths and weaknesses. The Cranes demonstrated early promise and a competitive spirit, with Denis Omedi opening the scoring and Ivan Ahimbisibwe later finding an equaliser.

Despite the positive signs, Put, who led Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final, expressed mixed feelings about the performance. "We played with courage and mentality but I'm not happy with the second-half ball situation," the Belgian coach noted, highlighting a period where his team lost control of the game.

This focus on maintaining composure will be central to his selection for the Gabon match. The friendly is not just another practice run but a chance for refinement. Several Europe-based players are now available, and Put is likely to integrate them purposefully into the squad.

Gabon, a fellow AFCON finalist, presents a more formidable challenge than a club side. Led by the iconic Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, their attack is known for punishing any defensive lapse. Aubameyang's clinical finishing and intelligent movement provide a constant threat, making this friendly an ideal rehearsal for the high-stakes environment of the tournament.

For Uganda, facing such an opponent is exactly the preparation needed before taking on group-stage rivals Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The match will demand defensive solidity, midfield discipline, and sustained concentration—qualities Put has consistently emphasized as non-negotiable.

The draw with AS Far Rabat also offered a look at Uganda's midfield dynamics, featuring Bobosi Byaruhanga and Travis Mutyaba operating ahead of captain Khalid Aucho. Upfront, Denis Omedi looked sharp, his goal a product of intelligent positioning.

The inclusion of U-17 World Cup talent James Bogere in the starting lineup also pointed to Put's long-term vision, with the teenager showing flashes of confidence and creativity.

Wednesday's game is about achieving the right balance. Put will aim for rhythm and sharpness without revealing his entire hand. Players who missed the previous match due to club commitments—including Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, Timothy Awany, Melvyn Lorenzen, and Uche Ikpeazu—are expected to feature. Allan Okello is also poised for a return to the starting eleven.

While the draw in Rabat proved Uganda can compete, the test against Gabon will reveal if they can control the tempo and endure pressure ahead of their crucial AFCON opener against Tunisia on December 23.