Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put walked away from Tangier with clear reminders of the work ahead after his team fell 4-0 to Morocco in their final pre-AFCON friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday.
In a game that saw Morocco extend their winning streak to 18 matches, the Atlas Lions controlled proceedings from the start and exposed Uganda in key areas that Put must address before next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host.
Uganda conceded in the fourth minute when Nael Aynaoui’s shot deflected off Herbert Achai for an own goal.
The second goal then arrived in the 33rd minute when Ismael Saibari finished a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui, with Uganda struggling to cope with Morocco’s movement in midfield and their speed in wide areas.
The second half offered little improvement for the Cranes.
Sofiane Rahimi won a penalty in the 79th minute and converted it with composure. Bilal El Khannous added the fourth in the 88th minute after a quick passing move led by Elias Akhomach.
The friendly followed Uganda’s 2-1 win over Chad. Put had asked for a sharper display against stronger opposition, and this match produced a clear picture of the gap to Africa’s top-ranked side.
Morocco’s squad, missing some injured stars, still delivered a complete performance built on discipline and precision.
Uganda will now shift focus to AFCON. The match in Tangier offered a preview of the North African style they will meet in the group stage against Tunisia.
Put must address defensive organisation, transitions, and cohesion in possession, ahead of the continental showpiece, with Uganda makes an eight return to, but for the first since 2019.
