Ugandan international striker Melvyn Lorenzen has boldly declared his team's readiness to challenge Nigeria and other heavyweights in their group at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Thailand-based forward, called up to the Cranes' 28-man squad by coach Paul Put, expressed unwavering confidence in his team's ability to stand firm against any opponent in the tournament hosted by Morocco.
Lorenzen's Confident Message to Group C Rivals
In an interview with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Lorenzen did not mince words about the challenge ahead. The Cranes are drawn in a formidable Group C alongside former champions Nigeria and Tunisia, as well as East African neighbors Tanzania. Despite the daunting lineup, the striker believes Uganda can make a significant impact.
"It is the biggest competition we would be playing, and we're excited," Lorenzen stated. He emphasized the global spotlight on AFCON, noting it is a dream to represent his country on such a prestigious stage. He added, "I can show myself, I can compete against the best in the world, so it's exciting."
Lorenzen's confidence stems from Uganda's recent performances. "Even against the big teams, we've always had good results, we never went under, and we always show ourselves in a good light," he asserted. He warned that no team, including Nigeria's star-studded Super Eagles, will find it comfortable to play against the Cranes.
AFCON 2025 Group C Schedule and Dynamics
The 2025 AFCON tournament is scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025, with the host nation facing Comoros in Rabat. The action in Group C promises intense drama from the start.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their campaign against Tanzania's Taifa Stars. Uganda, meanwhile, will open their account against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on December 23. The group stage will feature a heavyweight clash between Nigeria and Tunisia, as well as an East African derby between Uganda and Tanzania on December 27.
The final round of group matches on December 30 will see Uganda directly confront Nigeria, while Tanzania takes on Tunisia. Every point will be crucial in what is anticipated to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
Tanzania's Squad and the Road to Morocco
Adding to the Group C narrative, Tanzania has already named its 28-man squad to face Nigeria in their opening match. Head coach Miguel Gamondi's selection is notably dominated by home-based talent, with 19 players drawn from the Tanzanian Premier League.
This sets the stage for a fascinating tactical battle, pitting Nigeria's array of European-based professionals against a cohesive unit familiar with each other's play. For Uganda, the message from Lorenzen is clear: they are not in Morocco just to participate. Their goal is to navigate the group stages and prove they belong among Africa's elite. "We are in a tough group, and I think our goal should be to go for the group stages and see from there," Lorenzen concluded, encapsulating the ambitious spirit of the Ugandan camp.
