Uganda test themselves against Moroccan giants ahead of AFCON

Teenage debutant James Bogere impresses in Rabat

Photo: OfficialFUFA

The Uganda Cranes continued their preparations for AFCON 2025 with 2-2 draw against Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat in international friendly played on Saturday 13 December 2025 at the Maamora Stadium in Rabat.

Facing CAF Champions League side on Moroccan soil, head coach Paul Put used the contest to assess his squad’s readiness ahead of the continental showpiece which kicks off on 21 December in Morocco.

Uganda Cranes 2-2 AS FAR Rabat
Head coach Paul Put handed debutant James Bogere, a star of the U17 World Cup in Qatar, a starting role.

Bogere, donning the No. 15 jersey, impressed with his interplay with Travis Mutyaba and Bobosi Byaruhanga, causing problems for AS FAR's… pic.twitter.com/QlN9vJYDPO

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 13, 2025

Bright start & Debut for teenage sensation James Bogere

One of the standout stories of the match was the senior debut of teenage forward James Bogere who earned starting role after his impressive displays at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

Goal for As Far Rabat Vs Uganda Cranes🥺
😳😳
FT:2–2 pic.twitter.com/djBg0QWnu6

— COLLINS N (@CollinsNick19) December 13, 2025

Goals at both ends

Uganda took early lead in the 18 minute when Denis Omedi finished clinically to cap strong opening spell.

AS FAR responded just before halftime through Reda Slim restoring parity heading into the break.

The Cranes regained the advantage in the 68 minutes as Ivan Ahimbisibwe found the net but the hosts once again hit back with Abdelfettah Hadraf ensuring the match ended all square.

Paul Put reflects on Positives

After the match Put praised his team’s mentality.

“Bogere played well. He's learning and still missing maturity but he is creating chances. Bobosi & Mutyaba were determined.. We played with courage & mentality. There were positives from first half as we created chances. I wasn't happy with second half ball situation but we shall improve in the next few days” Put said.

The Belgian coach also stressed the importance of teamwork rather than individual play.

“It doesn't matter who scores. The chances being created and this is very positive. If we finalise those occasions , then we can push forward”

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put
AS FAR 2-2 Uganda
‘We played with courage and mentality but not happy with second half ball situation’#AFCONPreparationspic.twitter.com/3OJp22HBWi

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 14, 2025

The Ugandan national team has been training in Casablanca for over week preparing thoroughly for their Group C matches against Tunisia, Nigeria & Tanzania.

They scheduled to face Gabon wednesday 17 December 17 2025 in their final friendly match before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.