Uganda coach Put and Obita call for higher standards ahead of AFCON

Uganda picked up a confidence-boosting 2–1 victory over Chad in an international friendly played on Friday evening at Stade Municipal De Berrechid, Morocco, as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due this December.

Despite missing key players such as Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato through injury, head coach Paul Put handed opportunities to several new faces.

Goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu and midfielder Al Hassan Baba were given their debuts, while forwards Uche Mubiru, Melvyn Lorenzen, Joseph Mpande, Regan Mpande, and Hebert Achayi all featured prominently in the starting lineup.

Uganda made a bright start and earned a penalty in the 20th minute when Uche was brought down by the Chad goalkeeper.

Chad pulled one back in the 64th minute

The forward stepped up and converted the spot-kick to give the Cranes the lead. One minute into the second half, Melvyn Lorenzen punished poor defending with a poacher’s finish to double the advantage.

Chad pulled one back in the 64th minute, with Haroun Tchaouna converting from the penalty spot after Kiggundu fouled an opponent. Minutes later, the debutant goalkeeper redeemed himself with a superb save to prevent a Chad equaliser from yet another penalty, preserving Uganda’s lead.

The Cranes held firm to seal the win and now turn their attention to a tougher test against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.

POST-MATCH REACTIONS

Paul Put (Head Coach, Uganda Cranes)

“We are happy with the win but we lost a lot of possession, we gave them the opportunity to come into the game but on the other way it’s not easy when you’re missing some key players.

“Also players who came in didn’t bring exactly what I was expecting but generally we tried with the new players. I am not disappointed as I saw some good mentality. Now we have to prepare for the Morocco game which will be another level but we have to try do our best.”

Jordan Obita (Captain vs Chad)

“We could have played a lot better, we gave them the ball a lot. Sometimes we were a bit slow in passing but the positive of the day was winning, so everyone wants to make sure that we get three points and that’s the most important thing.

“The conditions weren’t great as it was very windy, but we must play better because when it comes to AFCON, there are a lot of quality teams and players, so we have to rise even higher than before. It was a massive privilege to get the armband. It calls for responsibility and I’m really happy and proud getting a win.”

Uganda will compete in Group C at the upcoming AFCON alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania, making every preparatory match crucial in fine-tuning the squad for December’s continental showdown.

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