The Uganda Cranes wrapped up their November fixtures with a sobering reminder of the levels required on the global stage, falling 4–0 to a sharp and confident Moroccan side in Tangier. What was meant to be a final tune-up instead exposed the gulf in experience and cohesion between Paul Put’s evolving team and the battle-hardened 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.
Morocco struck early when Herbert Achai, under pressure from a relentless press, diverted the ball into his own net. From there, the hosts took full control, with Ismael Saibari, Sofiane Rahimi and Bilal El Khannous adding goals that reflected Morocco’s dominance rather than Uganda’s lack of effort.
Put, eager to test depth and adaptability, shuffled his squad heavily from the group that edged Chad last week. The return of senior figures like Denis Onyango, Allan Okello, Khalid Aucho and Steven Mukwala brought leadership, but continuity was hard to find. Missing left-side regulars Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato, Achai was left to face the combined threat of Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui an assignment that demanded far more protection than Uganda could offer.
Morocco, even without injured stars Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd, controlled every phase of play. They dictated tempo with 63 percent possession, launched wave after wave of attacks, and forced Onyango into a string of saves to prevent an even heavier scoreline. Uganda’s lone real moment came from an Allan Okello effort that tested the Moroccan keeper in the first half.
There were small positives in an otherwise difficult night. Debutant Al Hassan Baba added structure to midfield after replacing Mpande at the break, while Melvyn Lorenzen and Hilary Mukundane earned valuable minutes in a reshaped back line. Their performances will keep them firmly in the conversation as Put finalizes his squad for the continental assignments ahead.
With Tunisia, Tanzania and three-time champions Nigeria awaiting in Group C, the Cranes leave Tangier with clarity there is talent to build on, but also a long list of lessons to take forward.
