Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Mato says stepping onto the training pitch in Morocco for the first day of Uganda’s AFCON 2025 camp was nothing short of a life-defining moment.
The winger, who checked into camp this week, described the session as an overwhelming blend of gratitude, pride, and fulfilment. Speaking to FUFA, Mato said the honour of representing Uganda at the continent’s flagship tournament hit him the moment training began.
“Yeah, it is a dream come true to be a part of this team, this wonderful team, with some experienced players and some upcoming players. I feel grateful, I feel honoured to come and honour my country, it is a pleasure being here,” he told FUFA.
Mato noted that AFCON holds enormous value not just for the current squad, but for young talents across the country who look up to the Cranes.
“Yeah, it is a good one for us, for the nation and for the upcoming generations, upcoming talents, the rising stars. It is good for us to come and be part of this tournament,” he added.
For the former KCCA FC star, the magnitude of AFCON sits right up there with the biggest stages he has already experienced in European competition.
“It is one of the biggest tournaments I have ever played, because I have played in the Conference League, which is a big tournament as well. The African Cup of Nations is a big tournament, it is one of the big names in the world, so it is a big tournament and a big achievement for me as a person and for my career,” Mato told FUFA.
The Cranes will intensify their preparations in Morocco with two high-profile friendlies scheduled. The first test comes against Moroccan giants FAR Rabat, currently featuring in the CAF Champions League, on 13 December 2025, before a second tune-up match against Gabon on 17 December 2025.
