AFCON 2025: Uganda Cranes Put Up Brave Face as Final Squad is Unveiled

Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put has been forced to adjust his preparations for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the team's final friendly match was unexpectedly cancelled.

The Cranes were scheduled to face Gabon in a crucial warm-up game, which was intended to give Put a final opportunity to assess his squad and fine-tune his starting lineup. However, the fixture was called off due to logistical issues on Gabon's end, leaving the Ugandan camp to rework their plans.

The cancellation is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Belgian coach, who has already navigated a challenging preparation period marked by constraints. The late arrival of Europe-based players due to shifting release windows had previously forced the technical team to redraw their training schedules.

"Normally we have two weeks before the tournament starts to prepare our players," Put commented earlier in the camp. "Now, suddenly, we received a message that we can only have players from abroad on the 16th or 17th of December. All coaches are not happy with this situation."

The Gabon match was seen as a key moment to integrate players who missed earlier sessions. The team's recent 2-2 draw against AS FAR Rabat was played without first-choice defenders Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, and Aziz Kayondo. Striker Melvyn Lorenzen also joined the squad only this week.

Despite the disruption, the team's focus remains on readiness rather than regret. The Cranes have been based in Morocco for nearly two weeks, allowing them to acclimatise and build rhythm. Following the cancellation, FUFA confirmed the team would hold one last training session before relocating from Casablanca to Rabat, their base for the Group C campaign.

Uganda is set to begin its qualifying journey next Tuesday against a formidable Tunisian side in Rabat. Subsequent matches against Tanzania and Nigeria will follow, presenting an immediate and significant challenge.

Put has consistently emphasised the importance of tactical structure, discipline, and mental clarity. While the friendly would have been a valuable test, the core work on combinations and decision-making continues in training. Key questions, such as the starting goalkeeper, have yet to be settled, but the defensive line is assembled and competition for attacking positions is high.

Although the ideal preparation has been compromised, the Cranes arrive in Rabat ready to compete. Success in major tournaments often hinges on adaptability and composure under pressure, qualities the team will now need to demonstrate from the outset.

Meanwhile, Put has unveiled his final 28-man AFCON squad with goalkeeper Charles Lukwago of KCCA and SC Villa defender David Owori failing to make the cut.

A notable inclusion in the squad is young forward James Bogere, who recently featured for Uganda at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Coach Put expressed confidence in the Masaka Sunshine FC player's ability to make an impact at the senior level.

Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa) Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, South Africa) Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion FC, England) Elio Caprodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj, Romania) Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda) Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia) Abdu Azizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic) Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic) Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel) Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC, Tanzania) Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda) Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA) Alhassan Baba (FCSB, Romania) Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda) Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

Forwards: Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United FC, Thailand) Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda) Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia) Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda) Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan) Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone FC, Scotland) Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania) James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC, Uganda) Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC, Uganda) Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)