The Cranes, who featured in their first-ever AFCON in 1962, where they played in the third-place playoff losing 3-0 against Tunisia, have been drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
Uganda will be returning to the AFCON after participating in the 2019 edition held in Egypt. In Cairo, Uganda was placed in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, DR Congo and Zimbabwe, garnering four points to advance to the Round of 16 where they were eliminated by Senegal.
The team was then coached by French tactician Sebastien Desabre. However, the Cranes missed out on qualifying to Cameroon for Africa’s most prestigious tournament that would have been their third consecutive.
When are Uganda's games in Morocco?
Based in Rabat, Uganda will face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in their group opener at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on December 23rd, before returning to action for matchday two against neighbours Taifa Stars of Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium on December 27th.
The Cranes final group fixture will be against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at Fez Stadium on December 30th.
The Cranes have already arrived in Rabat in readiness for AFCON kick off and on Saturday played a friendly fixture against Moroccan CAF Champions League side AS FAR Rabat which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Maamora Stadium.
Youngster Denis Omedi opened the scoring for Uganda in the 18th minute before AS FAR responded through Reda Slim shortly before the break. Ivan Ahimbisibwe restored Uganda’s lead in the 68th minute, but Haddraf Fatah ensured the hosts salvaged a draw.
How can I watch Uganda's AFCON fixtures?
South African-based pay TV channel SuperSport will broadcast the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 across English- and Portuguese-speaking Sub-Saharan African territories, and will also broadcast in selected local languages, including Pidgin, Swahili, isiZulu, and Setswana.
According to a statement published on SuperSport website, the audiences will be able to watch all the action from AFCON on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, bringing the best of African football to millions across the continent.
“Viewers will enjoy best-in-class editorial coverage with former international stars such as Salomon Kalou, winner of 2017 edition in Gabon with Ivory Coast, as well as former South African internationals Teko Modise, Shaun Bartlett and Bongani Khumalo, who will be among the African stars bringing the tournament to the continent,” read part of the statement.
Uganda team news
Under coach Paul Put, Uganda will boast a squad blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents.
Veteran Denis Onyango made a return as one of four goalkeepers named, while teenage prospect James Bogere earned a first senior call-up following his superb display during the U17 World Cup in Qatar.
In defence, Toby Sibbick of Burton Albion, Jordan Obita, Abdu Azizi Kayondo and SC Villa captain David Owori will be key figures, while veteran Khalid Aucho will spearhead the midfield area.
What has Paul Put said?
Ahead of the AFCON, coach Put has promised Ugandans the Cranes will fight for every ball, and do everything possible to protect the jersey in Morocco.
“I promise they will see a Cranes side that plays with heart, unity, and pride. We will fight for every ball, respect the jersey, and leave everything on the field. We may face stronger opponents, but we won’t back down. Our aim is to represent Uganda with dignity, passion and purpose,” Put told CAFOnline.com.
“Our supporters are a backbone. Their energy, chants and belief travel with us. Even hundreds or thousands of travelling fans create a sense of “home away from home” and remind players of what they represent -a nation watching, hoping. We will dirty our boots for them.”
He concluded: “I prefer not to single out names. The philosophy here is collective performance. But several young home-based players from clubs like KCCA, Vipers and the Uganda Premier League are ready to make their mark. Africa should look out for their discipline and maturity.”
Uganda will conclude their pre-season friendly matches against Gabon on December 17th, before shifting focus to their AFCON opener.
Uganda AFCON 2025 squad
Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Alionzi Nafian – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago – KCCA FC (Uganda)
Defenders: Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion (England), Elio Caprodossi – Universitatea Cluj (Romania), Jordan Obita – Hibernian FC (Scotland), Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda), Abdu Azizi Kayondo – Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic), Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov (Czech Republic), Timothy Awany – FC Ashdod (Israel), David Owori – SC Villa (Uganda), Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda).
Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho – Singida Black Stars (Tanzania), Ronald Ssekingada – APR FC (Rwanda), Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots (USA), Baba Alhassan – FCSB (Romania).
Forwards: Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda), Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United (Thailand), Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), Denis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda), Mato Rogers – FK Vardar (North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande – SC Villa (Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi – Jamus FC (South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – St. Johnstone (Scotland), Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania), James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda), Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA FC (Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza – KCCA FC (Uganda).
