Uganda stars face club threats ahead of Morocco AFCON 2025

Uganda Cranes stars Melvyn Lorenzen and Timothy Awany are caught in a tense standoff between national duty and club commitments ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Thailand Premier League side Muangthong United FC has reportedly warned Lorenzen that his contract could be terminated if he travels to Morocco to represent Uganda.

Despite making great strides in providing the football world with some of the Game’s greatest players such as Abedi Pele, George Weah, Yaya Toure, Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, Mohammed Aboutrika, Samuel Eto etc, African football, African players and the Africa Cup of… pic.twitter.com/t6z6h7Tkvk

— Paul Mukatabala (@PauloMukatabala) December 5, 2025

Despite the threat, Lorenzen remains resolute in his desire to play for the Cranes, having recently returned to the national team fold after a decade, featuring in Uganda’s recent clashes against Chad and Morocco.

Similarly, Awany, who plays for Israel’s FC Ashdod, has received a stern warning from his club regarding potential participation in AFCON.

“Of course we can’t stop you from going for the AFCON tournament, as it’s a FIFA regulation, but just know this: if you go, this could lead to your contract termination,” National teams officer Paul Mukatabala quoted the Israeli club via his official X handle.

FIFA has already mandated all clubs to release their African players for the AFCON tournament by December 15th, six days before the competition kicks off.

Uganda departed for Morocco on Sunday , December 7th for preparations of Africa’s biggest showpiece.

The Cranes, drawn in Group C, will face Nigeria, Tunisia, and East African neighbors Tanzania, setting up a challenging start to their AFCON 2025 campaign.

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