David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes will be aiming at ending Morocco’s world record of 17 match winning streak when the two nations meet in an international friendly on Tuesday at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier (10:00Pm) as the two sides continue their build-up to the upcoming AFCON.
Morocco rewrote football history when they secured their 17th consecutive victory against Mozambique on Friday and surpassed Spain’s previous world record of 15 straight wins set between 2008 and 2009.
The record comes as the culmination of a remarkable run that began after a goalless draw against Mauritania on 26 March 2024. Since then, Morocco has won every match it has played.
The Atlas Lions officially claimed the world record last month with their victory over Congo, but Friday’s success extends the margin.
Uganda Cranes on the other hand warmed up for Tuesday’s friendly against Africa’s number one ranked side Morocco in Tangier with a 2-1 victory over Chad in Berrechid, Morocco, on Friday. Uganda’s goals came from Uche Mubiru and Melvyn Lorenzen.
Paul Put’s side will hope to close out the break with a strong performance against the World’s 12th ranked nation.
After the win against Chad, Put urged for improvement
“We are happy with the win but we lost a lot of possession, we gave them the opportunity to come into the game but on the other way it’s not easy when you are missing some key players. Also players who came in didn’t bring exactly what I was expecting but generally we tried with the new players. I am not disappointed as I saw some good mentality.
Now we have to prepare for the Morocco game which will be another level but we have to try to do our best.” Said the Belgian
Uganda has won four of their last five matches and a win against the 1976 AFCON champions will strengthen their momentum heading into December’s continental showpiece.
This December will mark Uganda’s eighth appearance at the tournament with their best performance coming in 1978 when they were beaten by Ghana in the final.
Morocco who are deep into preparations for their home AFCON campaign next month will be without right back Acraf Hakimi who is recovering from an ankle injury.
The PSG right back is expected to return within six to eight weeks, keeping him on track for the AFCON opener.
Veteran Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango is expected to start in goal replacing Dennis Kiggundu who started against Chad.
Melvyn Lorenzen who returned to the national fold almost 10 years with a goal in the win against Chad is likely to start once again.
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Mazraoui, El Yamiq, Saiss, Salah-Eddine; El Aynaoui, Amrabat, Ounahi; Diaz, En-Nesyri, Ezzalzouli
Uganda possible starting lineup:
Onyango, Obita, Sibbick, Torach, Achai, Aucho, Semakula, Lorenzen, Okello, Mukwala, R.Mpande
