Uganda’s Afcon 2025 preparations have entered the phase coaches quietly value most – the sorting, the testing, the subtle narrowing of ideas.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw with AS Far Rabat was not an ending, nor a verdict, but a useful pause.
Paul Put now perhaps has clearer evidence of what works, what fades, and what still needs tightening before facing Tunisia in their Group C opener in Rabat next Tuesday.
Against one of Morocco’s strongest club sides, the Cranes showed early personality.
You can’t switch off
Denis Omedi’s opener and Ivan Ahimbisibwe’s second-half equaliser spoke to a team willing to play, willing to compete, and comfortable enough to ask questions of a serious opponent.
Put liked the courage and the mentality. He did not like the second-half lull, though – the loss of control when the game drifted away from Uganda’s grip.
‘We played with courage and mentality but not happy with the second half ball situation,’ said the Belgian, finalist with Burkina Faso at the 2013 Afcon finals.
Serious business
That balance – encouragement without indulgence – is likely to define selection against fellow Afcon finalists Gabon on Wednesday.
This will not be about repeating line-ups, but about refinement. Several Europe-based players could be available, and Put is expected to shuffle with purpose rather than experiment for its own sake.
The friendly against Gabon, a side with greater international edge than Far, offers a sharper rehearsal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains their reference point – a talisman whose movement and finishing punish hesitation.
Even when Gabon are uneven, Aubameyang gives them menace, a constant reminder that mistakes at Afcon level are rarely forgiven twice.
Much needed test
For Uganda, this is precisely the test required. Tunisia, Tanzania and Nigeria will not wait politely.
Gabon’s pace and experience demand defensive organisation, midfield discipline and concentration across 90 minutes – areas Put has repeatedly flagged as decisive.
Saturday’s match also allowed a glimpse of Uganda’s evolving midfield triangle, with Bobosi Byaruhanga and Travis Mutyaba in front of captain Khalid Aucho.
Omedi, leading the line, looked increasingly assured, his goal reward for movement rather than force.
U-17 World Cup youngster James Bogere’s rare start fitted into this broader assessment.
The teenager’s movement, confidence and willingness to combine hinted at promise rather than conclusions.
He created chances, missed a couple, and faded late on – a familiar arc for a young player tasting senior international tempo.
The bigger picture is that Uganda now have depth, not that one player must carry expectations.
Wednesday is therefore about calibration. Put will want rhythm without recklessness, sharpness without overexposure.
Those who missed the Far match due to club duty – Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, Timothy Awany, Melvyn Lorenzen and Uche Ikpeazu – could be folded in. Allan Okello is also expected to return to the starting picture.
Beyond Gabon lies Tunisia on December 23, a fixture that rarely forgives lapses in structure or patience.
The Rabat draw showed Uganda can compete. The Gabon test will show whether they can control, adapt and endure.
Afcon 2025
Build-up matches
Saturday result
AS Far Rabat 2-2 Uganda
Wednesday, December 17
Uganda vs Gabon
Afcon Group C matches
Dec 23: Tunisia vs Uganda
Dec 27: Uganda vs Tanzania
Dec 30: Uganda vs Nigeria