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PAUL PUT’S DILEMMA: UGANDA CRANES FACE HUGE GAP AFTER MOROCCO LOSS

While CAF tours Europe to globalise AFCON, Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put must solve fundamental skill gaps exposed by a 4-0 loss to Morocco ahead of Group C battles.

Paul Put’s Dilemma: Uganda Cranes Face Huge Gap After Morocco Loss
Cranes Must Answer Morocco Loss Before Tunisia

CAF's Diaspora Tour is sending African football's spirit to Europe, drawing stars like Alex Iwobi and Stonebwoy. But back home, Uganda's national team, the Cranes, are dealing with a very different situation, with the Afcon 2025 tournament getting closer.

This week, the Africa Cup of Nations trophy shone in London’s Piccadilly Circus, marking a bold step in CAF’s plan to make the event a global spectacle.

The TotalEnergies Afcon Morocco 2025 Diaspora Tour, with stops in London and Paris, aims to celebrate African identity, reconnect global fans to the sport, and build hype for next month’s competition.

In London, football legends and entertainers hung out with fans.

Those there included Alex Song, Alex Iwobi, Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy, Nigerian artist Odumodublvck, and former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

The actual AFCON trophy was the main attraction, showing how the competition wants to expand its reach far beyond Africa.

Dein said it’s “a special time for African football,” praising the passion that keeps making the sport better.

Former Arsenal player Alex Song from Cameroon said he was struck by how much recognition African football is getting.

“When we played, this didn’t happen. It’s great to see African football celebrated like this,” he told CAF media.

The tour is going to Paris next before the trophy goes back to Morocco for its own tour.

For CAF, this, complete with music, culture, media, and football figures, is more than just a show.

It’s a smart move before a competition expected to get record global viewership.

But while African football is showing off its appeal abroad, teams are working hard to get ready.

Uganda is focused on the field.

This difference is very clear in Uganda.

Cranes coach Paul Put is expected to soon announce his final team for the tournament, marking their return to the big stage since Egypt in 2019.

The coach still needs to figure out how to catch up to Africa’s top teams after their recent 4-0 loss to Morocco, which showed the skill gap.

That loss came just days after a tough 2-1 win over Chad and a month after losing to Algeria in World Cup qualifying, showing a familiar problem: Uganda still struggles against North African teams.

For coach Put, the lessons from the Morocco game are clear. Morocco showed the speed, accuracy, and tactics the Cranes need to get ready for if they want to compete in Group C, where Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria await.

Morocco’s 18-game winning streak also gave some perspective.

Their success comes from years of investment in academies, coaching, youth programs, data analysis, and a clear football strategy.

These are the strong foundations that CAF wants to show through its Diaspora Tour and messages.

Uganda, meanwhile, is still trying to find its own winning formula.

As the tour takes place in Paris next week, Put and his staff will keep working hard, getting a team ready for Tunisia on December 23.

UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE

The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.

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She Cranes Crush Zimbabwe 60-38 in Africa Netball Cup

Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.

After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.

After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.

As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.

In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.

Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.

In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.

Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.

The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.

DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF

Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.

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Bogere's AFCON Prep Before Joining AGF U19S.

James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.

Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.

Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.

Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

About AGF Aarhus:

Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening

Location: Aarhus, Denmark

Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)

Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)

Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen

Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).

History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.

With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba

Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.

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