Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put is still feeling good about the 2025 AFCON, even though the team's preparations haven't been ideal. He's picked his final 28 players and is ready to go.

Put had to change his plans for the Africa Cup of Nations after their last friendly game got cancelled at the last minute.

The Cranes were going to play Gabon in a warm-up match, and Put needed to check out his players and get the starting lineup right. But Gabon had logistical problems and cancelled, so the Ugandan team had to come up with a new plan.

This is the most recent problem for the coach. The technical team had to change their training plans before because Europe-based players showed up late.

Less Than Perfect Prep

Put said earlier that we usually have two weeks to get our players ready before the games begin. Now, we got a message saying players from other countries can't make it until December 16 or 17. No coach is happy about this.

The Gabon game was important to get players who missed earlier practices up to speed. The team tied 2-2 with AS FAR Rabat recently, but top defenders like Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, and Aziz Kayondo didn't play. Striker Melvyn Lorenzen didn't join the team until this week either.

Even though it's not ideal, the team is focused on getting ready instead of complaining. The Cranes have been in Morocco for about two weeks to get used to the weather and get in sync. After the cancellation, FUFA said the team will have one more practice before leaving Casablanca for Rabat, where they'll be based for the Group C games.

When does Uganda start AFCON?

Uganda starts its qualifying games next Tuesday against Tunisia in Rabat. After that, they play Tanzania and Nigeria, so it's a tough start.

Put keeps talking about how important tactics, discipline, and focus are. The friendly game would have helped, but they're still working on teamwork and good decisions in practice. Some things, like who will be the starting goalie, aren't decided yet. But the defence is set, and a lot of players are fighting for a spot on the attack.

The Cranes aren't perfectly prepared, but they're ready to play hard in Rabat. Success in big tournaments often comes down to how well you adjust and stay calm under stress, and the team will need to show that from the beginning.

Who Made the Final Squad?

Put announced his final 28-man squad for the AFCON, and goalkeepers Charles Lukwago (KCCA) and defender David Owori (SC Villa) didn't cut.

A surprise pick is young forward James Bogere, who played for Uganda at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Coach Put thinks the Masaka Sunshine FC player can do well with the senior team.

Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion FC, England), Elio Caprodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland,d), Rogers Torach (Vipers SCUgand ad, a), Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Ara) b,ia) Abdu Azizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, CzRepublicli,c), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), and Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda) and Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland RootS.C..C, U, USA), Alhassan Baba (FCSB,  Romania), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

Forwards: Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United FC, Thailand), Denis Omedi (RFC, Rwanda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone FC, Scotland), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC, Uganda), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Vipers could cut the lead to two points if they win against Lugazi on Wednesday, but KCCA is likely more concerned with their own form after securing their fifth straight victory.

They've managed three wins without their main striker, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, as the rest of the squad has stepped up while he's with the Cranes at Afcon.

In the latest game, Rogers Mugisha, making his first start since joining from Kitara, scored the winning goal.

He calmly controlled a blocked shot with his chest and then slotted the ball past Buhimba's keeper, Jamil Kiyimba, in the 27th minute.

It seemed like it would open the scoring for KCCA against a Buhimba team that has allowed 27 goals, the most in the league so far.

Before the goal, Sammy Ssebaduka headed a cross from Lazaro Bwambale wide, and Kiyimba saved a shot from Derrick Nsibambi.

Buhimba, with their new coach Robert Mukasa, showed resilience and kept a tight defense, limiting KCCA's chances.

Saidi Mayaja hit the side netting from a tough angle, while, on the other end, Anwar Ntege's header was saved by KCCA's goalkeeper, Antony Emojong.

Late in the game, Alex Yiga forced Kiyimba into a save as KCCA saw out the match, moving to 26 points after 11 games. Buhimba sits third from the bottom with 10 points.

Earlier on Tuesday, Police beat Bul 3-1 at the FUFA Technical Centre, adding to Bul's losing streak.

Bedia Ikamba, returning from injury, scored from a Richard Matovu cross before Karim Ndugwa equalized for Bul.

However, Ndugwa later missed a similar chance, sending a cross from Martin Aprem over the bar.

Police then scored when Daniel Jakony headed in Saidi Kyeyune's corner, and Biran Obedi sealed the win with a goal in added time, assisted by Ramsey Jemba.

Police is now temporarily second with 21 points after 11 games, while Bul finds themselves in 12th place with 10 points.