Following a tough 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in Marrakech last Friday, the Uganda Cranes will be hoping to bounce back when they take on The Gambia in an international friendly today, July 9, at Stade de Marrakech Annexe Pitch. Kickoff is set for 4pm local time (6pm Uganda time).
Despite the loss to the Indomitable Lions, head coach Paul Put remained optimistic, labelling the outing a crucial learning experience for his side.
The match exposed tactical and positional gaps that Put is keen to address as Uganda prepares to conclude the international break on a more positive note.
Uganda, currently ranked 89th by FIFA, faced a stern test in 50th-ranked Cameroon.
The focus now turns to The Gambia, ranked 117th globally who are expected to pose a different but equally important challenge.
The fixture also carries added emotion, with The Gambia now coached by former Uganda Cranes boss Johnathan McKinstry.
Put hinted at possible changes across various positions and stressed the need for improved efficiency in front of goal as well as greater defensive discipline. “We need to be more clinical and avoid conceding easily,” Put emphasized.
However, the Cranes will have to make do without goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi and defender Elio Capradossi, both of whom suffered injuries in the loss to Cameroon. Their absence could prompt tactical tweaks and offer opportunities for other players to step up.
Returning goalkeeper Ismail Watenga is expected to start and expressed the team’s commitment to end the camp on a high. “This is more than a friendly. We’re here to represent our country, and we’ll give it our all to secure a win,” Watenga affirmed.
As the Uganda Cranes aim to close out their Moroccan tour with a morale-boosting result, all eyes will be on how they respond to the Cameroon defeat and build momentum ahead of future competitive engagements.
Pictorial: Last training
