• Uganda 2–1 Chad
The Uganda Cranes kicked off their November friendlies on a positive note, edging Chad 2–1 in a lively warm-up match on Friday at Stade Municipal De Berrechid, Morocco — a result that lifts spirits as the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues.
With several key players unavailable due to injury, including Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato, head coach Paul Put used the fixture to widen his selection picture. The Belgian handed debuts to goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu and midfielder Al Hassan Baba, while attacking prospects Uche Mubiru, Melvyn Lorenzen, Joseph Mpande, Regan Mpande, and Hebert Achayi all got valuable minutes in the starting XI.
Uganda began on the front foot and were rewarded 20 minutes in when Uche was clipped by the Chad goalkeeper. The forward calmly dispatched the resulting penalty to put the Cranes ahead.
Straight after the restart, Lorenzen doubled the advantage with a classic poacher’s finish, capitalising on a defensive mix-up.
Chad clawed one back in the 64th minute as Haroun Tchaouna converted from the spot after Kiggundu was adjudged to have fouled an opponent. The debutant keeper, however, quickly made amends — pulling off a brilliant save from a second Chad penalty minutes later, a moment that proved decisive as Uganda held on for the win.
Next up is a much sterner test against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, 18 November, a fixture expected to offer a clearer snapshot of Uganda’s readiness for AFCON.
Post-match reactions
Paul Put – Head Coach, Uganda Cranes
“We are happy with the win, but we lost a lot of possession and allowed them back into the game. It’s not easy when you’re missing key players, and some of the players who came in didn’t bring exactly what I expected. But generally, we tried with the new faces. I’m not disappointed because I saw good mentality.
Now we prepare for Morocco, which is another level, but we must do our best.”
Jordan Obita – Captain vs Chad
“We could have played a lot better. We gave the ball away too much and sometimes moved a bit slowly. But the positive was winning — getting the three points mentality is always important.
The conditions were tough with the wind, but we must play better because AFCON has quality teams and players. We have to rise higher. It was a massive privilege to wear the armband. It comes with responsibility, and I’m proud we got the win.”
Uganda Cranes will play its second friendly match against hosts Morocco on Tuesday November 18th to windup the Tour.
Uganda heads into the 2025 AFCON placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
