Before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, Ugandan fans had hopes like those of any other nation. While Uganda weren’t among the favourites for the trophy, the tournament has seen many surprises before.
But drawn in a difficult group – with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria – Uganda failed to make the knockout stage. Having drawn one and lost two, what will coach Paul Put and fans make of their tournament?
The months ahead of AFCON 2025
Uganda showed their quality during World Cup Qualification matches in September and October. They beat Mozambique 4-0, Somalia 2-0, and Botswana 1-0. The following 2-1 loss away to Algeria was no great shame, with Algeria usually among the favourites at any edition of the AFCON.
Some sports betting enthusiasts would have considered placing wagers on teams like Uganda, as they might have upset the odds. Those interested could explore ways to bet Uganda could surprise the favourites on trusted iGaming platforms.
Strength in the squad
Uganda boasts a mix of youthful, promising players and experienced internationals. Aziz Kayondo, Rogers Mato, and Travis Mutyaba show that the future could be much brighter than the disappointing group stage results. Then there’s the experience of players like Denis Omedi, who would have hoped to start more matches, Uche Ikpeazu, and Jordan Obita.
Ikpeazu, Omedi, and Rogers Mato scored a goal each at the tournament, but it was in defence where Uganda came unstuck. With no clean sheets, they were up against it. The 1-1 draw against Tanzania would have been particularly disappointing.
More forms of entertainment before, during, and after the matches
While focusing on the national team can be exciting, Ugandans interested in football-related entertainment have alternative ways to engage in the sport, especially through online gaming. As the landscape evolves, enthusiasts can find countless feature-rich football-themed slots that offer an exciting blend of sports and gaming.
In 2026, anyone aged 18 or above can play the best online slots UG has to offer on legally permitted platforms such as GSB Uganda. These games may replicate the enjoyment of football matches that Uganda couldn’t quite provide this time around.
Gambling responsibly online in Uganda in 2026: A guide for AFCON fans
As the excitement brought by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 continues into broader football watching in 2026, it’s essential for football fans and online betting enthusiasts in Uganda to practice responsible gambling.
In other words, ensure you are betting through legally permitted sports betting and casino sites, such as GSB, which is fully licensed and regulated to offer real-money betting services. Setting deposit limits is a proactive way to manage your bankroll – this ensures you bet only what you can afford to lose.
Furthermore, where possible, use session time reminders and win/loss limits; these tools are invaluable in maintaining a balance between fun and responsible gaming.
Another crucial aspect of responsible betting is to avoid wagering while tired or intoxicated, as impulsive decisions can lead to losses and regret. Establishing a sensible spending budget can enhance your betting experience by making it safe and enjoyable.
Additionally, the following can help you make more informed choices:
- Understanding how the odds work
- Understanding the different bet types/betting markets
- Understanding the difference between pre-match and in-play betting
Staying updated on the latest AFCON 2025 news is also advantageous, as it can influence your betting strategy, helping you make smarter decisions in the heat of the action.
By adhering to these simple and effective guidelines, you can enhance your enjoyment while ensuring your online gambling activities remain safe and responsible.
Paul Put’s review
On the Tuesday after the Nigeria defeat, Put said the squad was not up to the required standard. He said there was a clear difference in individual player quality, and that Uganda had a young team not used to competing at AFCON.
Although Uganda have experienced players, only four of the squad had played at previous editions of the tournament.
But Put pointed towards the 2027 tournament. The coach said that lessons had been learned and the squad would improve going forward.
Ikpeazu also spoke following the team’s exit, with the forward writing on X that the team will come back stronger. He said it had been an honour to represent the nation and thanked the fans for their support.
The 30-year-old striker’s diving header rescued a point against Tanzania, but that, of course, wasn’t enough to progress to the knockouts. Ikpeazu and the rest of the team will hope they pick up more points in 2027, when they will co-host the tournament with Tanzania and Kenya.
The difference between Uganda and the top sides
Most observers agree with Put in that the individual quality is not quite there at the moment. The 3-1 defeat to Nigeria was one example: Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika, who plays at Club Brugge, was on the scoresheet twice. But their team was full of other major names: ahead of Onyedika up front was Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, who also scored.
Meanwhile, other major nations like Cameroon have players like Carlos Baleba and Bryan Mbuemo; Egypt have Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
There’s plenty of time before 2027 and Uganda’s players could make notable strides. Put isn’t showing any signs of quitting.
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