Preview: Uganda vs. Morocco - prediction, team news, lineups

In the final game in Group C of the Total African Nations Championship, the Cranes of Uganda take on Morocco at the Douala Reunification Stadium in search of their first win at the tournament.

Uganda are rock-bottom, after a shaky start to the tournament, and they will be aiming to find their feet when they meet the defending champions, who currently top the group with four points.

Match preview

Uganda are on the verge of a fourth consecutive group stage exit since their CHAN debut in 2014.

They opened their campaign in Cameroon with an uneventful goalless draw against Rwanda, before falling to a heartbreaking defeat against competition debutants Togo last time out.

Johnathan McKinstry's men were woeful to watch, and despite dominating proceedings throughout the game, they only netted once and failed to test Togolese goalkeeper Abdoul Moubarak Aigba.

McKinstry was appointed to lead the Cranes to a first-ever knockout stages appearance, but after an unimpressive start, their chances now hang in the balance.

Morocco, on the other hand, are the defending champions, after lifting the trophy in 2018, when they hosted the fifth edition of the tournament.

They are seated at the top of Group C with four points, after starting their title defence with a 1-0 victory against Togo in the group opener, before a goalless draw with Rwanda last time out.

In a game where Houcine Ammouta's men could have sealed qualification to the quarter-finals, they were simply toothless, finishing with one shot on target from 11 shots taken.

Morocco take on Uganda needing just a point to make it out of Group C, while their East African counterparts require all three points if they are to progress to the next round.

The last meeting between Uganda and Morocco was at the 2014 Africa Cup of Nations, and it ended in a 3-1 victory in favour of the North Africans.

Uganda African Nations Championship form: DL Uganda form (all competitions): LDWWDL

Morocco African Nations Championship form: WD Morocco form (all competitions): WDWWWD

Team News

Morocco have a clean bill of health going into this final group-stage showdown, and head coach Houcine Ammouta has a full strength squad to choose from.

The Atlas Lions opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation last time out, with Najji Larbi playing as a lone defensive midfielder, however Ammouta could revert to his preferred 4-3-3 formation this time.

RS Berkane attacker Zakaria Hadraf could return to the starting XI, after he was dropped for the clash with Rwanda.

Other than that, Morocco will most likely field a similar starting lineup for the third game running, meaning Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Karbi will once again lead the attack.

Uganda will head into this tie without Vipers SC star Milton Karisa, after he suffered an injury blow in the opening group game against Rwanda.

Saidi Kyeyune scored the only goal for the Cranes last time out, and the Uganda Revenue Authority midfielder will push for his first start at the tournament.

Uganda possible starting lineup: Lukwago; Willa, Mujuzi, Mbowa, Kayondo; Ojera, Watambala; Kyeyune, Anukani, Sekajugo; Kagimu

Morocco possible starting lineup: Zniti; El Moussaoui, Boutouil, Bouftini, Baadi; Jabrane, Larbi, El Karti; Rahimi, El Kaabi, Hadraf

We say: Uganda 0-1 Morocco

Morocco have one of the best squads at the competition, and they should be able to grab all three points without sweat as they take on a struggling Uganda side who are yet to find form at the competition.

A low-scoring win is predicted for the Atlas Lions, as both nations are currently struggling to find their touch in front of goal.

Top betting tip