The Cranes of Uganda have become the first team to arrive in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, sending a clear signal of intent as preparations intensify for the continental showpiece kicking off on 21 December 2025.
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Head coach Paul Put says his squad has undergone a major transformation in belief, character and competitive mindset, a shift he believes will make Uganda a difficult team to beat when Group C hostilities begin against Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
“There is a big change in mentality. The boys believe in themselves, and they are ready to compete,” Put declared shortly after the team settled into their Moroccan base.
Uganda, often regarded as underdogs in AFCON discussions, are embracing a new identity under the Belgian tactician, who insists his players are no longer intimidated by big-name opponents.
“There has been a shift in mindset. This team now has the will not to lose. That is the foundation we are building on,” he said.
Put’s early arrival strategy is deliberate, a move to ensure the Cranes acclimatize quickly to Moroccan weather conditions, adjust to altitude, and fine-tune their tactical framework long before the tournament kicks off.
“Preparation is everything. Coming early gives us time to work, recover, and perfect the details,” he noted.
The Cranes will face one of the tournament’s toughest groups, with Nigeria and Tunisia both considered title contenders, but Put insists his side is not in Morocco merely to participate.
“We respect every opponent, but we fear no one. Uganda will compete. Uganda will fight,” he said with conviction.
Put also expressed satisfaction with the professionalism and hunger shown by his players during recent training sessions, adding that unity within the squad has never been stronger.
“The belief is there, the spirit is there. What we need now is consistency, and we are working on that every day,” he concluded.
With Uganda making the earliest move of any team and their coach fired up with confidence, Group C now promises even more intrigue as AFCON 2025 approaches.
