Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Cranes’ international friendly matches against Tanzania and Madagascar scheduled for this month in Morocco have been cancelled due to public health concerns, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed.
The two fixtures were due to be played in Marrakech during the June international window and were expected to provide head coach Paul Put with an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of upcoming competitive assignments.
However, FUFA announced on Wednesday that the matches had been called off following communication from relevant authorities through the match agents.
“The two International Friendly matches against Tanzania and Madagascar have been cancelled due to sanitary and public health considerations as communicated by authorities through our match agents,” FUFA said in a statement.
The Uganda Cranes had already travelled to Morocco for the training camp and friendlies, which were scheduled for June 5 against Tanzania and June 8 against Madagascar.
The cancellation leaves Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar without the anticipated international match action during the FIFA window.
The games had been arranged as part of preparations for future international competitions, with all three nations expected to use the fixtures to assess players, test tactical approaches and build squad cohesion.
Officials are reportedly exploring alternative options, including the possibility of rescheduling or relocating the matches, although no replacement fixtures have yet been announced.
Ebola Concerns Cited
While no detailed explanation has been issued by organisers, the cancellation is understood to be linked to heightened regional caution following Uganda’s recent Ebola outbreak.
The development comes days after Uganda confirmed additional Ebola cases, prompting increased surveillance and public health measures.
Health authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the outbreak remains under control through contact tracing, isolation measures and ongoing surveillance. However, concerns surrounding international travel and sporting events appear to have influenced the decision to call off the friendlies.
The Ministry of Health recently reported that all newly confirmed cases were among known contacts already under monitoring, with authorities maintaining that there is no widespread community transmission.
Despite the setback, Uganda Cranes technical officials are expected to continue preparations for upcoming assignments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other continental competitions.
Coach Paul Put had intended to use the Morocco camp to evaluate several players and build momentum ahead of crucial competitive fixtures later this year.
The cancellation now means the technical team will have to reassess its plans as the delegation prepares to return home.
The Uganda Cranes remain third in their FIFA World Cup qualifying group and are expected to resume competitive action later in the year as they continue their quest for a historic World Cup appearance.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
