Onyango Back as Cranes Name Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has released the Uganda Cranes squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The 28-man team, named by head coach Paul Put on Tuesday, will play Mozambique on September 5 and Somalia on September 8, with both matches scheduled at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Kick-off for each fixture is set for 7:00 PM.

The announcement marked the return of veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who has come out of retirement to strengthen the squad. Also returning is fellow goalkeeper Salim Jamal, while forward Joseph Mpande, who last featured over a decade ago, has been recalled. Scotland-based striker Uchechukwu Ikpeazu has also made the cut.

The defensive line will be boosted by the comeback of Herbert Bockhorn and Jordan Obita, who impressed on his debut against Cameroon earlier this year.

Coach Put placed special confidence in the 11 players who featured in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), saying their energy and steady progress earned them places in the team.

“I was very happy with the way they were working and I am confident they will deliver. If they can bring the same effort they showed against South Africa, we are good to go,” he told journalists at FUFA Complex, Mengo.

On Onyango’s inclusion, Put explained: “He helped our goalkeepers during CHAN and I got the chance to understand him. He is very experienced, and with his Sundowns background, that quality is needed in the national team.”

The Belgian tactician also extended gratitude to fans. “They pushed the team and motivated the boys during CHAN. We ask for the same energy in our upcoming games,” he said.

The Cranes will begin residential camp at FUFA Hotel in Kisasi on August 31 before starting full training on September 1.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda).

Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda).

Midfielders:
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).

Forwards:
Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland).