Uganda Cranes midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga has emphasized the need for readiness ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The tournament, set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will see Uganda compete in a challenging Group C alongside three-time champions and last edition’s finalists Nigeria, record consecutive qualifiers Tunisia, and regional rivals Tanzania.
Speaking on the Endiba Yaffe show on NBS Sport, hosted by Stuart Kimera, Byaruhanga acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead but stressed that facing top teams is inevitable at AFCON.
“Every team that qualifies for AFCON is a big team, so there’s no way to avoid playing strong opponents. Once you qualify, you must be ready for whoever you are drawn against,” he said.
“No one goes to AFCON unprepared. We have to be ready.” Bobosi added.
Uganda secured its place in AFCON last November, marking its first qualification since 2019.
Byaruhanga believes this achievement presents a great opportunity for them as players to showcase their abilities on the continental stage.
“Playing at AFCON comes with many opportunities,” Bobosi said before adding;
“After we played in the U20 AFCON, we progressed in our careers because doors opened for us to play professionally.”
“Playing at such a stage enhances a player’s CV and makes it easier to join top clubs worldwide,” he explained.
Byaruhanga was a standout performer in the 2021 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania, where Uganda reached the final before falling 2-0 to Ghana.
His impressive displays earned him a move from Vipers to MLS Next Pro’s Austin II FC, where he has played since 2023.
Yesterday, the midfielder trained with his former club Vipers at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, as he aims to stay in shape before the new MLS Pro season, which kicks off on March 7.
Austin II will begin their campaign against Colorado Rapids 2 on March 8.
