AFCON
Uganda Cranes gear up for epic confrontation with Super Eagles
East Africa-based publication, Panafricafootball.com has unfolded the reactions of players and officials of Uganda Cranes following Monday night’s draw that pitted the team against Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda Cranes will be the third team that the Super Eagles will play against when the final tournament is held in December.
Nigeria will play against Uganda on 30 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fez. Uganda along with Tanzania, another Group C opponent of Nigeria, are co-hosts of the Africa Nations Championship in August.
According to Pan Africa Football, the Uganda Cranes are gearing up for a challenging campaign.
The Cranes’ best-ever finish came in 1978 where they reached the final by eliminating Nigeria, 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Now under head coach Paul Put, the team aims to surpass past achievements and make a significant impact.
Here are the key reactions from the Uganda Cranes camp:
Paul Put – Uganda Cranes Head Coach
“There are no easy games in Africa. We are going to face Nigeria, the last edition’s finalists, and Tunisia, a team that consistently reaches the latter stages of this tournament.
“Tanzania adds the derby element, which is always intense. However, we must believe in ourselves.
“This is an opportunity for us to show what we can do, especially as we prepare to host the tournament in 2027.”
Khalid Aucho – Uganda Cranes Captain
“It’s not a bad draw. All these teams have earned their spot, but I trust the boys to give their all.
“We’re not going to just participate; we’re here to compete. Our focus is to make our fans proud, and I know the team will deliver.”
Allan Okello – Midfielder
“This is a good but tricky draw. Every team in this tournament is strong, but ours stands out because we face Nigeria and Tunisia, both football giants, as well as Tanzania, which makes for a competitive derby.
“As players, we need to prepare thoroughly and ensure we make a mark.”
Isima Watenga – Goalkeeper
“It’s a tough group, but we’re confident. The hard work and dedication we showed during the qualifiers give us belief.
“We’re ready to face any team and raise Uganda’s flag high.”
The Cranes will be hoping to leverage their teamwork, resilience and passion as they aim to rewrite history in the continental showpiece.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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