After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in Marrakech last Friday, the Uganda Cranes will be eager to bounce back when they take on The Gambia in their second international friendly this evening, June 9, at the Stade de Marrakech Annexe. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00pm local time (6:00pm Uganda time).
Despite the disappointing loss to the Indomitable Lions, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put remains positive and has described the outing as a valuable learning experience. He acknowledged the tactical and positional weaknesses exposed during the match and is determined to use the game against The Gambia to make crucial improvements.
“Cameroon showed us where we need to do better,” Put stated. “We need to be more clinical and avoid conceding easily.”
Uganda, currently ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings, faced a daunting test against 50th-ranked Cameroon. Their next opponent, The Gambia, sits at 117th and will present a different but equally significant challenge.
Adding extra intrigue to the fixture is the presence of former Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry at the helm of The Gambia’s team. McKinstry, who led Uganda from 2019 to 2021, will be looking to get one over his former employers.
Uganda will be without key players, goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi and defender Elio Capradossi, who both picked up injuries in the Cameroon game. Their absence is expected to lead to tactical changes and give other players a chance to shine.
Goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, who is expected to start, emphasized the team’s commitment ahead of the clash. “This is more than a friendly. We’re here to represent our country, and we’ll give it our all to secure a win,” he said.
Coach Put hinted at making adjustments across several positions, with a focus on tightening the defense and being more ruthless in attack. With the camp drawing to a close, the Cranes are aiming to end their Moroccan tour on a high and build momentum for upcoming competitive fixtures.
