Uganda Hold Royal Armed Forces as AFCON Preparations Continue
Nigeria’s Group C rivals, Uganda, continued their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2–2 draw against Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces in a friendly match played in Rabat over the weekend.
The game was one of two warm-up matches planned for the Ugandan team as they get ready for the tournament. Uganda will play Gabon on Wednesday in another friendly as they step up their preparations for Group C.
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, are in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. The Super Eagles will meet Uganda in their final group match on 31 December 2025.
Uganda have been based in Casablanca for more than a week, using the camp to adjust to conditions and work on their tactics. Their first group match will be against Tunisia on 23 December 2025 in Rabat.
Experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who plays for South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, has been recalled to bring leadership and experience to the team as Uganda aim for a strong showing.
Head coach Paul Put said he is confident that the hard work in training will show during the tournament. He added that the players have a chance to prove themselves on a big stage and possibly change their futures.
Put, who led Burkina Faso to the AFCON final in 2012, said he was pleased with parts of the performance against the Moroccan side, especially in the first half. He praised the team’s courage and attitude but said they need to manage the ball better in the second half, something he believes will improve before the tournament starts.
