The Uganda Cranes drew 2-2 with Moroccan CAF Champions League side AS FAR Rabat in an international friendly match played on Saturday 13 December 2025 at the Maamora Stadium in Rabat.
The result provided head coach Paul Put with valuable insights as preparations for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 continue. Africa’s premier football tournament kicks off on 21 December in Morocco, with Uganda having been in camp in Casablanca for a week as they fine tune for Group C fixtures against Tunisia, Nigeria and Tanzania.
Put handed a starting debut to teenage forward James Bogere, a standout performer at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar. Wearing the No. 15 jersey, Bogere showed confidence and composure, linking up well with Travis Mutyaba and Bobosi Byaruhanga to trouble the AS FAR backline. The young striker came close to scoring twice in the first half, only to be denied by the goalkeeper on one occasion and a narrow miss on another.
Denis Omedi opened the scoring for Uganda in the 18th minute before AS FAR responded through Reda Slim shortly before the break. Ivan Ahimbisibwe restored Uganda’s lead in the 68th minute, but Haddraf Fatah ensured the hosts salvaged a draw.
Although the match was not FIFA capped, it was cleared by CAF and allowed the technical team to further assess the squad’s readiness ahead of AFCON 2025.
Speaking after the match, Put expressed satisfaction with several aspects of his side’s display while acknowledging areas that require improvement.
‘Bogere played well. He is learning and still missing maturity, but he is creating chances. Bobosi and Mutyaba were determined,’ Put said.
‘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 also highlighted the importance of collective attacking play rather than individual scorers.
‘It does not matter who scores, but the chances are created in plenty, and this is a very good positive. If we finalise those occasions, then we shall be able to push forward.’
Striker Denis Omedi echoed the coach’s assessment, underlining the importance of the test against elite opposition.
‘We needed this game against a CAF Champions League team. We played well and used our chances. I am happy for Ivan’s goal because it gives every striker morale to score. We will fight against Gabon as we head to AFCON,’ Omedi said.
Uganda will next face Gabon on Wednesday 17th December 2025 as preparations for AFCON 2025 continue.
Put will be looking to further fine tune his squad and address the issues identified against AS FAR Rabat, with the aim of having the team at full readiness ahead of the tournament.
Second-half substitutions
Salim Jamal was replaced by Alionzi Nafian, Khalid Aucho made way for Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello replaced Travis Mutyaba, James Bogere was substituted by Ivan Ahimbisibwe, while Reagan Mbande replaced Shafik Nana Kwikiriza.
