Uganda Cranes Face Ultimate AFCON Test Against Morocco in Tangier

The Uganda Cranes face a monumental challenge on Tuesday in Tangier, where they will take on Africa's top-ranked team, Morocco. While the Atlas Lions are continental titans, it is Uganda who enters the friendly with a point to prove, seeking to measure their recent resurgence against elite opposition ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match at the Grand Stade de Tanger will provide a clear and honest assessment of the progress made under coach Paul Put. This fixture, the second of two warm-up games, represents the sternest test yet for a Ugandan side that has shown grit and promise in recent qualifiers.

Morocco, currently preparing to host AFCON in December, remains the benchmark for African football. Ranked 12th globally, the Atlas Lions are riding a 10-match winning streak, which includes a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mozambique on Friday.

Their historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup set a new standard for the continent, and Walid Regragui's squad continues to operate with ruthless efficiency.

Youssef En-Nesyri is expected to lead the attack, while Yassine Bounou will command the goal. Despite the absence of Achraf Hakimi, the defense remains solid with Noussair Mazraoui and newcomer Anass Salah-Eddine. The midfield trio of Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Brahim Diaz provides a formidable combination of steel, creativity, and flair.

Uganda, now ranked 61st in the world, counters with impressive form and determination. Put's team finished as runners-up to Algeria in their World Cup qualifying group and also secured their AFCON 2025 spot as runners-up in Group K behind South Africa.

Unbeaten in four of their last five matches, the Cranes secured a 2-1 win against Chad on Friday. While not a spectacular performance, the workmanlike victory demonstrated the team's character. Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu scored his first goal for the Cranes from the penalty spot, and Melvyn Lorenzen, also netting his first international goal, sealed the win with an instinctive finish.

Despite a mixed debut where he conceded a penalty before saving another, goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu earned praise from his coach. Stand-in captain Jordan Obita acknowledged the need for improvement, stating,

"We could’ve been better. We turned the ball over too easily. AFCON’s quality demands more."

Put echoed this sentiment, adding, "Morocco’s another level. We must be at our best."

For the clash against Morocco, Coach Put is expected to bring back some experienced players. Goalkeeping veteran Denis Onyango is likely to return, and the presence of midfielder Khalid Aucho would add stability to the center of the park. Ikpeazu and Lorenzen have made strong cases to start again, but Steven Mukwala and Joseph Mpande are also vying for attacking roles.

The team's core, featuring Obita, Toby Sibbick, and Allan Okello, remains intact despite the absence of the injured Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato.

For Morocco, winning AFCON 2025 on home soil is a national mission, a title they haven't claimed since 1976. For Uganda, this match is about charting a new course and building belief ahead of a tough AFCON group that includes Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria.

History offers a glimmer of hope for the Cranes, who famously defeated Morocco 3-0 at the 1978 AFCON and again in a 2011 friendly. Tuesday's encounter in Tangier is more than just a warm-up; it's an opportunity for Uganda to measure themselves against Africa's best and discover the true extent of their own potential.