Uganda Cranes Friendlies in Morocco Cancelled Days Before Kick-off
Uganda Cranes matches against Tanzania and Madagascar scheduled for June 5 and June 8 in Marrakech were cancelled after Moroccan authorities raised sanitary and public health concerns. The cancellation was announced by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) after the Uganda delegation had already arrived in Morocco.
Matches Cancelled Days Before Kick-off
FUFA confirmed that two international friendly fixtures in Marrakech — against Tanzania on June 5 and Madagascar on June 8 — would not go ahead as planned. The federation said the decision was conveyed through match agents and followed directives issued by the relevant Moroccan authorities.
The timing of the announcement left little room for adjustment, with both matches called off just days before the first scheduled kick-off. Organisers had been expecting the fixtures to serve as immediate match practice and a preparatory phase for upcoming competitive commitments.
Sanitary and Public Health Directives Cited
FUFA attributed the cancellations to sanitary and public health considerations communicated by Moroccan authorities via the match agents. The federation did not provide detailed medical or public health specifics in its statement, saying only that the decision was based on instructions from the relevant authorities.
Such measures can range from local containment steps to cross-border health protocols, but FUFA emphasised that it acted in accordance with the guidance relayed to the match organisers. The federation also expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Royal Moroccan Government and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation despite the abrupt change.
Delegation Arrived in Morocco and Will Return
The Uganda Cranes delegation arrived in Morocco on Tuesday, touching down at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca ahead of the scheduled friendlies. FUFA confirmed that, following the cancellations, members of the delegation will return to their respective destinations rather than remain in Morocco.
Logistical arrangements for the squad and support staff had already been completed, and travel plans were adjusted quickly in response to the directive. FUFA said it would manage travel and repatriation in coordination with the match agents and local authorities to ensure a smooth return for all delegation members.
Impact on Preparations for AFCON 2027
The friendlies in Marrakech were intended to give Head Coach Paul Put and his technical team an opportunity to assess the 28-man squad named last month. The cancellations deprive the coaching staff of valuable international minutes to evaluate combinations and fitness within a live-match environment.
With Uganda due to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the coaching staff must now revise their preparation calendar. FUFA and the technical team will need to identify alternative opportunities for live opposition, whether through rescheduled friendlies, training camps, or intra-squad fixtures, to maintain momentum ahead of competitive assignments.
FUFA Response and Statements
Rogers Mulindwa, FUFA executive committee member and head of the Uganda delegation, expressed regret at the development while thanking Moroccan hosts for their assistance. In FUFA’s official communication, Mulindwa stated the federation’s disappointment but emphasised compliance with the instructions issued by the authorities through the match agents.
The federation also indicated it would prioritise the welfare and logistical needs of players and staff during the return process. FUFA’s handling of the situation appears centred on ensuring no member of the delegation is left in a difficult position and that the federation remains in close contact with regional partners about alternative arrangements.
Coach Paul Put’s Short-term Challenges
For Head Coach Paul Put, the cancellations present an immediate tactical and evaluative gap as he prepares the squad for future fixtures. Without the planned friendlies, the technical staff lose a controlled environment to test formations, player roles, and the physical readiness of fringe squad members.
The coaching team must now recalibrate training objectives and seek high-quality opposition at short notice or increase the intensity of controlled intra-squad sessions. Maintaining player morale and match sharpness will be a priority as the Uganda Cranes look to keep preparations on track for their next international window.
Following the cancellations, FUFA will also need to address contractual and financial implications tied to the fixtures, including match agent agreements, travel costs, and any potential compensation matters. The federation has not yet released a detailed breakdown of the financial impact, but swift coordination with partners and insurers will be essential to limit exposure.
In the medium term, FUFA is likely to prioritize scheduling replacement fixtures that provide the same level of competitive value. Identification of nearby opponents with compatible calendars, or arranging neutral-site matches in East Africa, would be logical alternatives to regain lost preparation time.
The abrupt nature of the cancellations underlines how public health directives can continue to influence international sporting calendars. For the Uganda Cranes, the immediate concern is to ensure a smooth return for players and staff, and to reconvene preparation plans rapidly with the coaching and administrative teams.
