Paul Put praises Cranes’ courage after friendly stalemate in Rabat

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025

Build-up matches 
Saturday result 
AS Far Rabat 2 Uganda 2
Wednesday 
Uganda v Gabon 

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has taken positives from his side’s performance following a 2-2 draw with Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat in a friendly match played on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco, as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gather momentum.

The Belgian tactician praised his team’s courage and mentality, especially in the first half, despite admitting there is still room for improvement ahead of the continental showpiece.

“We played with courage and mentality. There were positives from the first half as we created chances. I was not happy with the second-half ball situation, but we shall improve in the next few days,” Put said after the match.

In the friendly encounter, forwards Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Denis Omedi were on target for Uganda, scoring in the 18th and 68th minutes respectively. 

AS FAR Rabat responded through Reda Salim in the 44th minute and Haddraf Fatah in the 59th to ensure the game ended in a draw.

Put also singled out midfielders Travis Mutyaba and Bobosi Byaruhanga for their disciplined and energetic display in the engine room alongside skipper Khalid Aucho, noting their contribution to the team’s overall balance.

Teenage forward James Bogere was among the standout performers on the night, earning praise from Put despite failing to get on the scoresheet on his senior debut.

The youngster’s intelligent movement, sharp decision-making and constant threat in attack caused problems for the AS FAR defence.

“Bogere played well. He is learning, of course, still missing the maturity, but creating chances,” Put said.

Bogere came close to opening his senior account on two occasions in the first half but was denied by the AS FAR goalkeeper with fine saves, a performance that further underlined why he earned a call-up to the senior side currently camped in Morocco. 

The young forward rose to prominence after an impressive showing with the Uganda Cubs at last month’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Doha, Qatar, where he scored twice to help Uganda reach the round of 16 on their tournament debut.

Saturday’s match marked Uganda’s first build-up fixture ahead of AFCON 2025, which will run from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, with the Cranes drawn in a tough Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Nigeria. 

The team will return to action on Wednesday for their final friendly against Gabon, led by former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Uganda will open their AFCON Group C campaign against Tunisia on December 23, before facing Tanzania on December 27 and concluding the group stage against Nigeria on December 30.