Uganda Cranes brace themselves for a stern test tonight as they face African giants Cameroon in an international friendly match at Stade de Marrakech Annexe Pitch. Kick-off is set for 9:00 PM local time (11:00 PM Ugandan time).
Having jetted into Morocco on Tuesday, the Cranes have held three intense training sessions under the guidance of Belgian tactician Paul Put, who is using this FIFA window to assess his squad ahead of the upcoming engagements.
Despite limited time together, coach Put expressed satisfaction with his team’s work ethic and tactical application during training. He remains confident that his charges will give a good account of themselves against the Indomitable Lions, acknowledging the strength of their opponents but also embracing the challenge.
“We may have had limited time, but the attitude and intensity in training have been impressive. Cameroon is a strong side, but we’re ready to test ourselves. This game will provide a good benchmark,” Put stated.
One of the newest faces in camp, Jordan Obita, who plies his trade with Hibernian FC in Scotland, is excited at the prospect of making his debut for the national team.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Uganda Cranes. The reception has been great and I’m looking forward to possibly making my debut tonight. It’s an honour,” said Obita.
Italy-based defender Elio Capradossi also weighed in ahead of the clash, underlining the importance of this game beyond just being a friendly.
“Cameroon is a top side, but we’re prepared to compete. For us, this match is more than just a friendly—it’s a platform to prove ourselves and gel as a unit,” he said.
Midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga, who features for Oakland Roots SC in the United States, emphasized the value of club minutes among the squad.
“Most of us have been active at club level, which gives us an edge in terms of fitness and sharpness. We’re ready to take on Cameroon,” Byaruhanga noted.
The Cranes’ coaching staff will use this match, and the subsequent friendly against Gambia on Monday, June 9, to refine the squad ahead of competitive fixtures in the coming months.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad in Marrakech:
Goalkeepers:
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)
Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda)
Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren FC, Scotland)
Nico Wakada (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)
Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)
Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic FC, England)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)
Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France)
Forwards:
Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)
Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)
Muhammad Shaban (Al-Anwar, Libya)
Pictorial: Day 3 Training
