Uganda Cranes return to action on Friday with an international friendly against Chad in Morocco, a fixture that head coach Paul Put is expected to use as a laboratory for his newest additions.
The match forms part of Uganda’s final tune-up ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off next month, and Put appears eager to run the rule over several fresh faces before finalizing his tournament blueprint.
At the heart of the intrigue is Al-Hassan Baba, the Steaua Bucharest midfield dynamo born in Uganda to Ghanaian parents. Tipped by many as the high-octane engine the Cranes have long lacked, Baba is primed for a debut that could reshape Uganda’s midfield landscape. A convincing performance would hand Put another strong option alongside the established lieutenants in the middle of the park, captain Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, and crowd favourite Joel Sserunjogi (both of the latter missing from this squad), as well as Karim Watambala, Bobosi Byaruhanga, and Allan Oyirwoth.
Uganda Cranes dealt double blow ahead of international friendlies
Also in line for a significant audition is Melvyn Lorenzen. The Germany-based forward, who first featured for Uganda back in 2016 against Zimbabwe before repeatedly turning down subsequent call-ups, now has a fresh window to rediscover his national-team prospects, especially with winger Rogers Mato sidelined through injury. Chad may well provide the perfect stage for Lorenzen’s attacking resurgence.
Further up the pitch, Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru and Joseph Mpande, regular members of recent squads but short on minutes, are expected to be handed meaningful roles as Put evaluates depth and form.
At left back, the absence of Aziz Kayondo due to concussion opens the door for Herbert Achai to taste senior national team football. Put also has the option of deploying Jordan Obita, who has excelled in that position at club level and remains one of the squad’s most experienced heads.
Beyond the new experiments, Uganda’s spine remains largely intact. Obita, Toby Sibbick, Elia Capradossi, Aucho, Moses Waiswa Okello, and Jude Ssemugabi all form the core expected to guide Uganda through the friendly double-header against Chad on Friday and Morocco on Tuesday, two vital tests for cohesion, chemistry, and tactical sharpness ahead of Afcon.
Uganda has been drawn in a tricky Afcon 2025 group alongside Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia, making these preparatory fixtures essential for refining Put’s final battle plan.
