Uganda’s national football team, arrived in Casablanca, Morocco, on December 8, stepping onto North African soil as the first nation to set foot in Morocco ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Their arrival was met with crisp winter air and the distant hum of city life, marking the beginning of an ambitious quest for continental glory.
Uganda Cranes touched down in Casablanca, Morocco, on December 8, becoming the first nation to get into the North African country for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), the squad will undertake an eleven-day preparatory camp, which includes two trial matches as part of the final build-up to the Afcon2025 tournament.
Arriving early is expected to give the team a psychological edge, allowing the players to settle in and acclimate to Morocco’s unique weather—characterized by brisk, chilly nights that contrast with the gentle warmth of the days. This adjustment period is seen as essential for peak performance, enabling the Cranes to feel at home before the tournament begins.
Cranes’ delegation in Morocco was led by Dr Apollo Ahimbisibwe, head coach Paul Put, assistant coach Fred Muhumuza, and the full technical and support team.
A group of seventeen players departed from Kampala, while the remaining thirteen will connect directly to Morocco from their respective clubs.
Uganda Cranes are pooled in Group C with Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
The national team will kick off their campaign against Tunisia on December 23 in Rabat. The Uganda Cranes have featured at the Africa Cup of Nations on seven occasions (1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2017, and 2019).
The seventeen players who are in Morocco.
- Salim Omar Magoola – Richards Bay FC (South Africa)
- Charles Lukwago – KCCA FC (Uganda)
- Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov (Czech Republic)
- Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Rogers Mato – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)
- Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA FC (Uganda)
- David Owori – SC Villa (Uganda)
- Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots SC (USA)
- 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)
- Ronald Ssekiganda – APR FC (Rwanda)
- Denis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda)
