17 Players, Paul Put, and Full Staff Arrive for 11-Day Camp with Two Friendlies Before Tough Opener vs Tunisia on December 23.

Uganda Cranes Land In Casablanca

Uganda’s Cranes touched down in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday to kick off their intensive preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, positioning them as early frontrunners in the buildup to the continental showpiece, as reported by Sportblits.com.

Delegation Touches Down: 17 Players Lead the Charge

The advance party, comprising 17 players, head coach Paul Put, assistant Fred Muhumuza, and the complete technical and support staff, departed Entebbe International Airport late Sunday aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1384, arriving Monday morning under the guidance of team doctor Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe.

The initial arrivals include a mix of domestic and international talents:
Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC, Uganda).
Defenders: Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), David Owori (SC Villa, Uganda).
Midfielders: Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA), Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda).
Forwards: Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Mato Rogers (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda).

The remaining 13 players, from the 30-man provisional squad unveiled last week, will join directly from their clubs over the coming days, swelling the ranks for the 11-day camp.

Camp Focus: Friendlies and Final Trim Before Group C Battles

The Cranes will sharpen their edge through two international friendly matches during the stay, providing Put vital insights into form and cohesion before paring down to the CAF-mandated 28 players. Emphasis lies on addressing scoring woes from recent outings, bolstering transitions, and fostering unity in one of the tournament’s fiercest pools.

Uganda‘s Group C pits them against Nigeria‘s Super Eagles, Tunisia‘s Carthage Eagles, and Tanzania‘s Taifa Stars, a gauntlet demanding peak readiness for their AFCON bow since 2019. They launch on December 23 at Complexe Sportif de Fès versus Tunisia, followed by clashes with Nigeria and Tanzania, matches laced with rivalry and redemption.

Broader Context: AFCON 2025 Heats Up

The 35th edition unfolds from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across Morocco‘s iconic venues, with Uganda among the early arrivals signaling intent in a field of 24 nations. FUFA hailed the departure as a “pivotal step,” blending veterans like Denis Onyango (expected soon) with prospects such as U-17 World Cup standout James Bogere.

As Nigeria‘s Super Eagles gear up, facing the same foes, Uganda‘s proactive camp sets a tone of ambition. Can Put‘s charges stun Group C and echo their 2017 quarterfinal heroics? The Casablanca cauldron will tell.