Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal has reflected on the team’s preparations and the atmosphere in camp as the buildup to the Africa Cup of Nations continues.
‘I have been around when the team qualified for the past two competitions. I think the atmosphere is different here and we have a task to make.’
‘Because the last half-corner we managed to go through the stages. We need to continue from there. We need to also work hard so that we manage to beat that record for the last 2019. I think the guys here are all focused and all the players who are around are motivated to do the best for the nation.’
‘As my experience, I think I am on the ground trying to push everyone and to give confidence to the young ones and also bring life into the game and we try to make the nation happy.’
Jamal praised the growth and readiness of the younger players who have stepped into the national fold.
‘I think today young boys are more talented and they are exposed to competitions and they have games with them in the leagues. Before, like us, most players did not have much time, but now there are a lot of young players who can start the game and who can play.’
‘Before it was only mature players. I think they are exposed to competitions and they have done well. They have shown their ability and everywhere in the world you see young players standing up for their nation.’
He concluded by calling for belief in the emerging generation.
‘So I think these talented young players we have need to be kept with high spirit and high motivation and they can deliver for us. That is the talent we have as a nation and we have to believe in them. We can do whatever we want and make the nation great.’
The Uganda Cranes will continue their preparations in Morocco, with two buildup matches lined up as part of the team’s final tune-up for the tournament.
AFCON buildup matches for Uganda Cranes will include Uganda against AS FAR Rabat on 13th December 2025 and Uganda against Gabon on 17th December 2025. AS FAR Rabat is currently competing in the CAF Champions League.
