Cranes Set for Chad Test as Put Prepares to Unveil Fresh Talent

Friday, November 14, 2025
Stade de Municipal Berrechid, Morocco – 6pm (EAT)

Uganda Cranes return to the pitch on Friday for an international friendly against Chad, a fixture that head coach Paul Put is expected to use as a crucial testing ground ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

With Afcon 2025 drawing closer, Put is looking to refine his squad structure, experiment with new combinations and measure the readiness of both emerging and returning players.

Among those attracting attention is Al-Hassan Baba, the energetic Steaua Bucharest midfielder born in Uganda to Ghanaian parents, whose inclusion has been widely welcomed.

Regarded as a powerful and industrious engine-room operator, Baba could earn his first minutes under Put as the team continues to shape a midfield group that includes skipper Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Oyirowth, Karim Watambala and Bobosi Byaruhanga, with regulars like Joel Sserunjogi and Ssekiganda missing this outing.

Another notable figure in the squad is Melyvn Lorenzen, who made his Cranes debut in 2016 before repeatedly declining call-ups.

With Rogers Mato sidelined by injury, the forward may now have the perfect window to restore his place and reintroduce his attacking flair.

Forwards Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru and Joseph Mpande, both present in recent summons but short on playing time, are also likely to be assessed closely as Put looks for depth and reliability in the final third.

In defence, the absence of left-back Aziz Kayondo due to concussion could offer Herbert Achai a long-awaited chance to step onto the senior stage, although Put may choose to rely on the experienced and natural left-sided defender Jordan Obita.

The dependable core of Obita, Sibbick, Capradossi, Aucho, Okello and Jude Ssemugabi remains intact to maintain structural balance as the team experiments elsewhere.

The friendly against Chad, followed by a tougher test against Morocco on Tuesday, comes at a vital moment as the Cranes prepare to compete in a demanding Afcon 2025 group that includes Nigeria, Tanzania and Tunisia.