The Uganda Cranes will open their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a demanding Group C fixture against Tunisia, as Africa’s biggest football stage gets underway on Tuesday.
Uganda return to the continental showpiece determined to make a strong statement, with head coach Paul Put confident in his squad’s preparation, balance and mindset ahead of facing one of Africa’s most consistent sides.
Speaking ahead of the match, Put described the occasion as a significant moment for both players and country.
‘It is a big and a good opportunity, because you are going to play not only for the African continent, but also for the whole world who watch this tournament. So, I think we have the motivation, and we are going to do our level best to give a good performance,’ Put said.
Uganda’s squad heading into the tournament blends experience with emerging talent, captained by midfielder Khalid Aucho, who is set to feature in his third AFCON finals. Put emphasised that squad harmony and collective responsibility will be key throughout the competition.
‘When I started with Uganda, we always have been a mix of players, with experience, with young players, with local players. We have been working on this issue with good results and good football. I believe in this players’ group. The players who start must be focused and motivated, and the players on the bench must be ready to make a difference,’ he added.
The Cranes were the first team to enter camp in Morocco, beginning preparations on 8th December, despite restrictions on the early arrival of foreign-based players. Put believes the early start has strengthened the team’s readiness rather than disrupted it.
‘Unfortunately, we were not complete at the beginning, but we have been preparing from the 8th. The players are really ready to play this tournament, and everybody is ready. I do not see a big problem,’ he explained.
On the injury front, Put confirmed that players who had minor concerns following recent friendly matches have recovered in time for the opening fixture.
‘We had Mato, Jude and Jordan, but we have been working on them after the friendly games. I think they are all ready now to start the campaign,’ he noted.
Tunisia arrive at the tournament boasting a long unbeaten run and a reputation as one of Africa’s strongest football nations. However, Put made it clear that historical records and statistics will not influence Uganda’s approach.
‘To be honest, I am not busy with these kinds of things. We are facing Tunisia, who did not lose for many games. It is a big team with very good players. But also we have a good team,’ he said.
Uganda will be targeting a positive start in a challenging group that also includes Nigeria, with the opening match against Tunisia expected to set the tone for the Cranes’ TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 journey.
