Uganda line up Tanzania and Madagascar friendlies ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Federation of Uganda Football Associations has confirmed two international friendlies for the Uganda national team during the June FIFA window as preparations begin for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cranes will face Tanzania on June 5 before taking on Madagascar three days later in Marrakech, Morocco.

The announcement follows Tuesday’s AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo, which placed Uganda in Group H alongside Tunisia, Libya and Botswana.

Uganda, however, are already guaranteed a place at the tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The 2027 edition, scheduled from June 19 to July 17, will mark the first time the competition is hosted by three countries.

Morocco camp to test squad depth

FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein said the two matches are intended to help the technical team evaluate players and improve competition within the squad ahead of the qualifiers and future international assignments.

“The matches will provide the technical team with an opportunity to further assess the squad and build competitiveness ahead of AFCON 2027 Qualifiers and future CAF and FIFA competitions,” read a statement from FUFA.

“Both fixtures will be played in Marrakech, Morocco, with further details regarding kick-off times and venues to be communicated in due course.”

The June friendlies will offer head coach Paul Put another opportunity to shape his side before the qualifying series begins later in the year.

Although Uganda have automatic qualification as hosts, the Cranes will still participate in the qualifiers, with only one additional team from Group H advancing to the finals.

“Playing in the qualifiers with teams like Tunisia, who will play in the FIFA World Cup, Libya and Botswana will be a great opportunity,” Put told Xinhua.

Uganda chasing stronger AFCON showing

The qualifying campaign will be played over six matchdays between September 2026 and March 2027 during FIFA international windows.

Matchdays one and two are scheduled from September 21 to October 6, while the third and fourth rounds will be played from November 9 to 17. The final fixtures are set for March 22 to 30, 2027.

Uganda will head into the tournament seeking to improve on their previous AFCON performances. The Cranes have qualified for the continental championship seven times, with their best campaign coming in 1978 when they reached the final in Ghana.

During that memorable run, Uganda defeated Congo, Morocco and Nigeria before losing 2-0 to host nation Ghana in the final.

Despite recent appearances at the tournament, the Cranes are yet to progress beyond the group stage in the expanded AFCON format. Hosting the 2027 competition is expected to increase expectations on the national team as they attempt to make a deeper run on home soil.