Uganda Cranes Results: Progress, Pitfalls & Players to Watch in June 2024 Friendlies

From the Uganda Cranes results of their two-match friendly tour, it appears that the national side is still finding its footing and establishing an identity. Over the course of three days, Uganda faced two African nations, Cameroon and The Gambia, in Morocco. The Uganda Cranes results were a performance with some harsh realities but some promising aspects.

Uganda Cranes vs Cameroon: A Tough Lesson (June 6)

The Uganda Cranes first faced Cameroon on June 6, 2024, at Stade de Marrakech Annexe. Ranked 50th by FIFA, the Indomitable Lions arrived on the pitch with more experience and a greater edge, welcoming the Cranes to international competition with a reality check, 3-0.

Flavien Boyomo opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a header off a free-kick taken by Mahamadou Nagida. Right after the break, Jean Batoum added to the tally with a goal off a corner taken by James Eto’o. Finally, a third was added by Patrick Soko, who toe-poked a brilliant through ball from the ageless Vincent Aboubakar.

The Ugandan defense was no match for the Cameroonians. Coach Paul Put made his personnel changes with Travis Mutyaba and Patrick Jonah Kakande to inspire some reaction, but the Cranes never clicked, and the score matched the lack of cohesion.

Notes:

• Defensive gaps are a huge concern.
• The midfield lacked control under pressure.
• Subs gave energy but did not change the outcome.

Uganda Cranes vs Gambia: A Step Forward (June 9)

Uganda faced The Gambia just three days later. Ranked at number 126, the West African nation had an advantage in the coaching department as they were led by former Cranes’ manager Jonathan McKinstry, but the match ended 1-1. However, chances floated by each contesting side showcased their capabilities.

The Cranes scored first. In the 25th minute, Rogers Kassim Mato from Vardar Skopje capped a curling corner kick by Kakande. Well-placed, and a goal was certainly deserved by the Cranes here as they somewhat dominated possession.

The Gambia equalized right before the half. After hitting the post, a penalty kick was awarded to The Gambia. Hibernian’s Manneh Alasana opted to take it and slotted the ball to the right of adding goalkeeper Isima Watenga. A frustrating goal to give up for Watenga, who shortly thereafter left the match with an injury, as he was the Cranes’ only keeper as well as in goal for the first 45 minutes.

Put’s efforts to experiment, bringing in Hilary Mukundane and Denis Omedi through the game, was also a positive note. The Cranes matched in the second half, keeping shape and scrapping back better.

What Went Well

• Better cohesion and energy.
• Young players impressed and are great signs for the future.
• Midfield links were more energetic.

Tactical Observations

In the end, with these Uganda Cranes results, we face a team that’s not quite there yet. The two games pointed to the following:

• Defensive Structure: There was a terrible lack of positional discipline against Cameroon. There was improvement against Gambia but still some holes.
• Youth Presence: The return of veterans Kakande and Mutyaba brought life to the field as they contributed. Their inclusion now shows that Put is looking for the long term, not just a momentary result.
• Squad Depth Exploration: Almost every player on the roster saw at least some minutes, which suggests that Put is exploring a talent pool for potential as well as pre-game rosters ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Paul Put’s Strategy

Coach Paul Put’s decisions reflect a coach still in the process of developing his squad. The use of younger players, ongoing substitutions, and formations were all needed more for development than a current tendency to win. These games were as much for stamina with mental capacity as they were for conditioning and physical readiness. The Uganda National team will need some type of direction to emerge when the going gets tough on the field, as observed by the coaches during their trip to Morocco.

Put emphasized effort over results, but the pressure to deliver will increase as the team heads into CAF qualifiers.

Looking Ahead: CAF Qualifiers & AFCON 2025

The Cranes are preparing for key fixtures in the CAF 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. These recent matches were meant to refine their setup and test combinations before competitive action resumes.

To compete at the top level, Uganda will need:

• More tactical versatility.
• A solid defense.
• A better midfield connection to the final third.
• Better finishing in the final third.

Should the talents of Mutyaba, Kakande, and Mato continue to develop, Uganda can have a more reconstructed, formidable unit.

Uganda Cranes Squad Highlights

Standout Players:

• Rogers Kassim Mato—Goal vs Gambia, good movement
• Patrick Jonah Kakande—Two assists across both matches
• Travis Mutyaba—Maximum effort and creativity in small bursts

Injuries/Key Absences:

• Isima Watenga is hurt, which could spell disaster moving forward.

Squad Continuity:

• Young prospects like Denis Omedi and Hilary Mukundane.

Final Thoughts on Uganda Cranes Results

The Uganda Cranes results in Morocco show they are a team still coming together under Paul Put. A 3-0 loss to Cameroon and a 1-1 draw with Gambia are nothing to panic about—but that’s exactly it. We need to get up and go. The structure is there with the young core. However, the trajectory toward success has yet to align.

The road ahead won’t be easy. But with these eye-opening opportunities, a turnaround is plausible.