David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes head coach Joseph Paul Put named veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango in his 28-man squad to prepare for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches.
Onyango who retired from international football in 2021 is among the four goalkeepers summoned by the Belgian tactician for the games against Mozambique and Somalia due next month.
Put stated that his goalkeeping department has been struggling with options following the long term injury of Isima Watenga.
“We have been struggling with goalkeeping options after Watenga’s injury, so we decided to call Onyango. He also helped us with the CHAN team, and that’s when I got to know him better. He is disciplined, mature, and experienced, and I believe he will play a key role in this important qualification campaign.” Said Put
Before his retirement in 2021, Onyango had 79 national team appearances including representing Uganda at the 2017 and 2019 AFCON campaigns.
Meanwhile, the summoned local based players will kickoff training on August 31st.
Uganda is currently fourth in Group G with nine points in six games.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers;
Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Salim Jamal (Richards Bay), Alionzi Nafian (Defence Forces), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC).
Defenders;
Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Elio Capradossi (FC Universitatea), Rogers Torach (Vipers), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC), Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC).
Midfielders;
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (Al Arabi SC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien).
Forwards;
Dennis Omedi (APR FC), Allan Okello (Vipers), Joseph Mpande (Pvf Cand FC), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Uche Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone
