Paul Put and Jordan Obita Pick Positives from Cranes’ Win Over Chad Ahead of Major Test Against Morocco
Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put has identified some of the good things and areas of improvements ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda secured a 2-1 victory against Chad in an international friendly on Friday evening in Berrechid, Morocco, but both the head coach and captain have called for higher standards as the team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With key players like Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato sidelined by injury, coach Paul Put used the match to test new talent. Goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu and midfielder Al Hassan Baba earned their first caps, while forwards Uche Mubiru, Melvyn Lorenzen, and Joseph Mpande were among those given a chance to impress.
The Cranes started strongly, taking the lead in the 20th minute. Uche Mubiru won and converted a penalty after being fouled by the Chad goalkeeper. Just a minute into the second half, Melvyn Lorenzen capitalized on a defensive error to double Uganda’s advantage with a clinical finish.
Chad fought back and was awarded a penalty in the 64th minute, which Haroun Tchaouna scored after Kiggundu brought down an opponent. However, the debutant goalkeeper made amends shortly after, saving a second penalty to deny Chad an equaliser and protect Uganda’s lead.
The Cranes held on for the win and will now face a sterner challenge against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Post-Match Reactions
Despite the positive result, coach Paul Put expressed mixed feelings about the performance.
“We are happy with the win, but we lost a lot of possession and gave them the opportunity to come into the game,” Put said as quoted by Panafrica Football.
“It’s not easy when you’re missing some key players. Also, the 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.”
Jordan Obita, who captained the side, echoed the coach’s sentiments, emphasising the need for improvement.
“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,” Obita stated. “The conditions weren’t great, as it was very windy, but we must play better. When it comes to AFCON, there are a lot of quality teams and players, so we have to rise even higher.”
Uganda is set to compete in Group C at the upcoming AFCON, facing Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. These preparatory matches are vital for refining the squad ahead of the continental tournament in December.
