Uganda Cranes Coach Paul Put and Captain Jordan Obita Reflect on Win Over Chad, Eyeing Upcoming AFCON Challenge Against Morocco
Uganda's national football team, the Uganda Cranes, secured a 2-1 victory over Chad in a friendly match, but the team's coach and captain are calling for higher standards as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The match, held in Berrechid, Morocco, served as a valuable test for the team, especially with key players like Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato sidelined by injury. Coach Paul Put utilized the game to introduce new talent, with goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu and midfielder Al Hassan Baba earning their first caps, while forwards Uche Mubiru, Melvyn Lorenzen, and Joseph Mpande were given the opportunity to shine.
The Cranes started strongly, taking the lead in the 20th minute through a penalty conversion by Uche Mubiru. Melvyn Lorenzen capitalized on a defensive error in the second half to double Uganda's lead. Chad fought back, earning a penalty in the 64th minute, which Haroun Tchaouna converted. However, Kiggundu, making his debut, made crucial saves to deny Chad an equalizer and secure Uganda's victory.
Despite the win, Coach Put expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the team's positive aspects while also highlighting areas for improvement. He stated, 'We are happy with the win, but we lost a lot of possession and gave them the opportunity to come into the game.'
Captain Jordan Obita echoed the coach's sentiments, emphasizing the need for better performance. He said, '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.'
Looking ahead, Uganda will face a tougher challenge against hosts Morocco on November 18, 2025, as they prepare for the AFCON. The team is set to compete in Group C, alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. These friendly matches are crucial for the squad's development and preparation for the continental tournament in December.
The players and coaching staff are aware of the areas that need improvement, and they are committed to rising to the challenge, as Obita noted, 'When it comes to AFCON, there are a lot of quality teams and players, so we have to rise even higher.'
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