Cranes end long wait, clash tonight with Tunisia at AFCON 2025

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Finals. 

Today

Group C

Nigeria v Tanzania, 8:30pm

Tunisia v Uganda, 11pm

After six years, five months and 18 days away from Africa’s biggest football stage, the Uganda Cranes return to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON) finals determined to close a painful chapter of missed opportunities, technical instability and growing impatience among supporters. 

Tonight in Rabat City, Morocco in the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Cranes will mark thier long-awaited return against Tunisia in Group C, a section offering little margin for error. 

Uganda’s comeback marks the end of a long exile that followed their last appearance at the 2019 tournament in Egypt.

In Cairo, Uganda reached the round of 16 before narrowly losing 1–0 to eventual finalists Senegal. 

Since then, the Cranes watched the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments from home after successive qualification failures, a period that forced deep reflection within the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and triggered constant changes on the technical bench.

Sébastien Desabre, who had led Uganda to the 2019 finals, departed for Egyptian club Pyramids FC and was replaced by Jonathan McKinstry. 

His tenure failed to deliver qualification for the 2021 AFCON, resulting in his dismissal and interim spells under Abdallah Mubiru and Livingstone Mbabazi. 

FUFA then turned back to Serbian coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević, hoping to revive memories of the 2017 qualification that ended Uganda’s 39-year absence from AFCON.

However, Micho’s second stint fell short. Performances deteriorated, Uganda missed out on the 2023 finals in Ivory Coast, and criticism intensified until his eventual dismissal. 

Stability finally arrived in November 2023 with the appointment of Belgian veteran Paul Put, best remembered for guiding Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final.

Put’s influence was swift and decisive. Uganda qualified for the 2025 AFCON with a game to spare, finishing second in their group behind South Africa by a single point. The achievement restored confidence and direction to a squad in transition.

Put now begins his AFCON campaign with the Cranes hoping to use his 15-year experience in African football to achieve the ultimate target of guiding  his team to the  the round of 16 from a difficult group which features CECAFA rivals Tanzania and continental giants Nigeria.

Therefore, tactical discipline and squad depth essential will be essential for the experienced Belgian master. 

Selection decisions underline the balance between experience and youth. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, a former captain with AFCON appearances in 2017 and 2019, returned from international retirement and played a key role in Uganda’s impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where the Cranes finished second behind Algeria.

However, Put must decide whether to rely on Onyango’s experience or the youthful energy of Salim Jamal Magoola, having rotated the two during qualifiers.

Defensively, Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita are expected to anchor central defence, with Aziz Kayondo likely at left back and Tobby Sibbick on the right. Captain Khalid Aucho will marshal midfield duties, supported by one of Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ronald Ssekiganda or Kenneth Semakula, depending on tactical demands.

Creativity is expected to come from Allan Okello or Travis Mutyaba in the number 10 role, both of whom impressed during qualification. On the flanks, Rogers Mato, Uganda’s standout performer in World Cup qualifying, offers pace and a goal threat from the left, while the right wing presents a choice between Melvyn Lorenzen’s experience and Jude Ssemugabi’s energy.

Up front, Steven Mukwala is the likely starting striker, though Put also has options in Ivan Ahimbisibwe, physical forward Uche Ikpeazu and teenage sensation James Bogere, whose performances at the recent U17 World Cup earned him a place in the senior squad.

Uganda’s best-ever AFCON performance remains their run to the 1978 final, where they lost to Ghana, while their most recent success is the 2019 round-of-16 finish. Any progress beyond the group stage would represent tangible advancement.

Tunisia, however, present a familiar and uncomfortable challenge. North African sides have historically troubled Uganda, making mental resilience, game management and defensive organisation crucial for the Cranes tonight.