Uganda coach Put banking on squad depth ahead of CHAD friendly

Uganda will return to action on Friday, November 14, 2025, when they face Chad in an international friendly at Stade de Municipal Berrechid in Morocco, kicking off at 6pm (EAT).

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away, head coach Paul Joseph Put is expected to use the fixture as a key audition space for several fresh faces and returning stars as he fine-tunes his squad.

🎙️ Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango shares his speaking after yesterday’s final training session in preparation for the match against Chad.#UGACHA | #InternationalFiendly pic.twitter.com/gblrmfH0ck

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) November 14, 2025

Put’s latest selection offers a blend of experience and exciting new options. Among those under close watch is Al-Hassan Baba, the Steaua Bucharest midfielder born in Uganda to Ghanaian parents, who has been widely talked about as the dynamic engine Uganda’s midfield has been missing.

A strong performance could push him into contention alongside seasoned figures such as Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Karim Watambala, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Allan Oyirworth.

Also drawing attention is forward Melvyn Lorenzen, who last wore Cranes colours in 2016. His return presents Put with another attacking dimension, especially with Rogers Mato sidelined by injury.

Uganda to use friendlies as preps for AFCON in Morocco

The match could also hand more meaningful minutes to players like Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru and Joseph Mpande, who have been part of recent squads but are yet to enjoy consistent playing time.

At left back, the absence of Aziz Kayondo (concussion) opens a pathway for Herbert Achai, although Put may opt to deploy Jordan Obita, who regularly features in that role for his club.

Despite the experimentation expected, the squad’s backbone remains intact—Obita, Sibbick, Capradossi, Aucho, Okello, and Jude Ssemugabi are all available.

The friendlies against Chad on Friday and Morocco on Tuesday are crucial opportunities to build rhythm, test combinations, and gauge overall readiness before the Cranes face Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia in their AFCON group.

What they said;

Head Coach Paul Put: “It’s somehow difficult because we have some players who are not here due to injuries and they are key players. But it’s now an opportunity for others to take their chance—they are working hard, and we shall see what they give us against Chad and Morocco.”

Goalkeeping Denis Onyango: “Training has been good. Even with the rain and a few injuries affecting our preparations, the boys are focused. These friendlies are the only real chance we have left to get match fitness and build towards AFCON. We’re looking forward to Chad first, and we hope for the best.”

Forward Steven Mukwala: “I feel motivated. It’s always a privilege to represent my country. We’re not taking these friendlies lightly—they feed directly into AFCON. Everyone is here to compete and contribute. Spirits are high, and we are ready for Chad and Morocco.”