Cameroon and Uganda are set to clash in an international friendly match on Friday evening at the Marrakech Stadium. This game is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers for 2026, scheduled to begin in September.
Both nations have demonstrated solid form leading up to this encounter, and their previous meetings have been fiercely competitive. Notably, all three past encounters between Cameroon and Uganda ended in draws, indicating a balanced rivalry.
Match Preview
Cameroon will be coming together as a team for the first time in just over two months. They previously earned four points from their recent CAF World Cup qualifiers, drawing 0-0 against Eswatini and securing a 3-1 victory over Libya. Star player Vincent Aboubakar shined in the latter match, scoring two goals alongside fellow teammate Bryan Mbeumo. With these efforts, the Indomitable Lions boast an impressive record of seven wins, four draws, and just one loss in their last 12 competitive matches, a streak that can be traced back to their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
Despite their positive trajectory, Cameroon’s preparations for this upcoming friendly haven’t been entirely trouble-free. Reports surfaced that only 17 players showed up for the first training session in Marrakech, leaving out some crucial team members like Patrick Soko, Ignatius Ganago, and Boris Enow. This may pose challenges as they face an equally motivated Ugandan side.
Conversely, Uganda also experienced mixed results during their World Cup qualifiers. They lost 3-1 to Mozambique but bounced back with a narrow 1-0 win against Guinea in Kampala. The Cranes have been on a positive upswing, winning seven out of their last 10 matches across all competitions. That run included their successful qualification for the upcoming AFCON, where they finished second in their group, just a point behind South Africa.
However, Uganda faces its own difficulties, particularly in the coaching department. Head coach Paul Put will be absent due to illness, with assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa stepping in for him. Such circumstances can often complicate matters, but the team will be focused and ready to make an impression.
Team News
In terms of team selection, Cameroon’s head coach Marc Brys has decided to use this friendly as an opportunity to assess emerging talents. several key players, including André Onana, Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba, and Frank Anguissa, are notably absent from the squad. This opens the door for homegrown players like Serge Daura, Florent Batoum, and Boris Mfoumou, who have been called up for this crucial match. Vincent Aboubakar, as one of the experienced players, is expected to captain the side.
For Uganda, the news hasn’t been as favorable. They will be without striker Steven Mukwala, who had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury sustained while playing for his club, Simba SC in Tanzania. Despite this setback, the Cranes’ roster includes four players from Vipers SC, the champions of the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup, offering a blend of experience and fresh talent.
As we look ahead to possible lineups, Cameroon might start with Epassy in goal, supported by a defense line of Dibango, Ndjeungoue, Nagida, and Castelletto. In midfield, they could go for Atemengue, Namaso, and Younoussa, while Soko, Aboubakar, and Ganago form the attacking trio.
Uganda, on the other hand, may line up with Watenga as their goalkeeper, alongside a defense featuring Wadada, Bwomono, Sibbick, and Capradossi. The midfield might comprise Byaruhanga, Semakula, and Oyirwoth, with Okello and Shaban leading the offense upfront.
Prediction
As the teams prepare to face off, Cameroon is currently favored due to their more extensive experience and overall talent. However, with key players missing from their setup, Uganda may find a way to capitalize on this weakness. Given the teams’ similar performance trajectories in recent months and their history of closely contested matches, a draw seems to be a likely outcome. My prediction stands at a 1-1 draw, reflecting the balance and competitiveness that should define this exciting encounter.
Ultimately, both teams will view this match as an essential opportunity to build momentum heading into the qualifying rounds of the 2026 World Cup. The stakes are high, and the fans will undoubtedly enjoy the thrilling display of international football.
