Salim Jamal backs young talent as Cranes build toward AFCON 2025

Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal Omar Magoola has expressed confidence in the new generation of players, noting that young talent is more exposed to competitive football than ever before as Uganda prepares for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.

“I think today young players are more talented and they are exposed to competitions. They play many games in the leagues. Before, like us, most players did not have much time, but now there are many players who can start games and play,” Jamal said.

He explained that the game has evolved, with coaches now trusting players at an earlier stage.

“Before it was only mature players. Now players are exposed to competitions and they have done well. Everywhere in the world you see young players standing up for their nations,” he added.

Jamal believes Uganda can benefit if the squad remains motivated and united. “These talented young players need high spirit and high motivation and they can deliver for us. That is the talent we have as a nation and we must believe in them. We can do whatever we want and make the nation great,” he said.

The experienced shot-stopper, who featured at AFCON 2019 in Egypt, stressed that the team is determined to surpass that performance. “We need to continue from there and work hard so that we beat that record in 2019. The guys here are focused and all the players around are motivated to do the best for the nation,” Jamal noted.

“With my experience, I try to push everyone, give confidence to the young players and bring life into the game so that we make the nation happy,” he concluded.

Jamal started in goal as Uganda drew 2–2 with Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat in a friendly played on Saturday, December 13, at the Maamora Stadium in Rabat. He was later substituted for Alionzi Nafian.

In the match, Denis Omedi opened the scoring for Uganda in the 18th minute before Reda Slim equalised for AS FAR shortly before halftime. Ivan Ahimbisibwe restored Uganda’s lead in the 68th minute, but Haddraf Fatah struck late to secure a draw for the hosts.

Although not FIFA-capped, the game was cleared by CAF and provided head coach Paul Put with valuable insight as preparations for AFCON continue. Put also handed a senior debut to teenage forward James Bogere, who impressed with his movement and link-up play alongside Travis Mutyaba and Bobosi Byaruhanga, coming close to scoring twice in the first half.

Jamal returned to the national team in August 2025 after a two-year absence, featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia. Since then, he has competed for the starting role alongside Denis Onyango, Alionzi Nafian, and Charles Lukwago.

With over 30 caps since his debut in 2014, Jamal previously played for Express FC and Vipers SC in Uganda. His return, together with veteran Onyango, comes at a crucial time after Ismail Watenga suffered a serious knee injury in June that ruled him out of AFCON 2025.

The Cranes will continue their build-up with another friendly against Gabon on December 17, before opening their Group C campaign against Tunisia on December 23. Uganda will later face Tanzania on December 27 and Nigeria on December 30