International Friendly
Uganda 1 Gambia 1
The Uganda Cranes played out a 1-1 draw with Gambia in an international friendly match held on Monday evening at the Stade de Marrakech Annexe Pitch in Morocco.
Forward Rogers Mato gave Uganda the lead in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked move to put the Cranes ahead. However, the advantage was short-lived as Alasana Manneh equalized for Gambia from the penalty spot in the 44th minute, sending the sides into halftime level.
This fixture was Uganda’s second international friendly in four days, following a 3-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday. That match also came with a setback as goalkeeper Ismail Watenga sustained a knee injury and was immediately taken to hospital for further medical examination.
Gambia, under the guidance of former Uganda Cranes head coach Jonathan McKinstry, posed a formidable challenge. McKinstry, who now leads the Scorpions, faced his former side for the first time since his departure, adding an emotional layer to the encounter.
One of the standout talking points from the match was the inclusion of Toby Sibbick in Uganda’s starting XI. The defender, who plays for Wigan football club in England, featured in his second appearance for the national team, having previously debuted in a friendly against Ghana last year.
These two friendlies form part of head coach Paul Put’s preparations for a crucial few months ahead. Uganda is gearing up for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in August, as well as the next round of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The Belgian tactician has used the matches to assess new options and test squad depth.
