David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put is expected to name his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week.
This website has established that the Belgian will name experienced left back Joseph Ochaya in his preliminary squad to kickoff preparations for the continental showpiece due in Morocco.
Ochaya has been impressive for his Egyptian side Arab Contractors FC featured at the 2017 and 2019 AFCON finals that were held in Gabon and Egypt, respectively.
Simon Ssemayange who has had a brilliant start to the 2025/26 season in the Uganda Premier League, is also expected to make the provisional squad.
In his previous squads, Put has been summoning Aziz Kayondo who will surely make the plane to Morocco and Herbert Achayi as the other left back.
SC Villa defender Geoffrey Lubangakene is also expected to be considered in the preliminary squad.
Put was in the stands as Lubangakene was named man of the match during SC Villa and Vipers 1-1 stalemate at Kitende on Saturday.
Bevis Mugabi is the other center back that Put is expected to name in his provisional squad for the event due in Morocco this month.
Mugabi features for Carlisle from Cyprus’ Anorthosis and has over 20 caps for the Cranes with one goal. He can be deployed as a right back as well.
The Belgian tactician is planning to have a general rule for his selections, on the basis of two players in each position for his final AFCON squad.
Uganda Cranes will make a return to the competition after missing out on the previous two editions 2021 and 2023.
The Cranes will be playing in their eighth Africa Cup of Nations competition with their previous appearance coming at the 2019 edition that was held in Egypt.
The 1978 finalists are in Group C alongside two former champions Nigeria and Tunisia along with neighbors Tanzania.
Paul Put’s men will kick off their group stage campaign against 2004 champions Tunisia on Tuesday, 23rd December at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium in Rabat.
Uganda will then battle with East African neighbors Tanzania on Saturday, 27th December, 2025 before ending their Group stage schedule against West African giants Nigeria on Tuesday December 30th 2025 at Fez Stadium, Fez.
Predicted Cranes Afcon 2025 26-man Squad
On the plane
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Jamal Salim Magoola, Denis Kiggundu
In the departure lounge: Nafian Alionzi
On the Plane
Defenders: Aziz Kayondo, Tobby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awany
In the departures lounge: Bevis Mugabi, Geoffrey Lubangakene, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Herbet Achayi and Simon Ssemayange
On the plane
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Al Hassan Baba, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Ronald Ssekiganda, Karim Watambala
In the departure lounge: Joel Sserunjogi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala
On the plane
Forwards: Steven Mukwala, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Melvyn Lorenzen, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi, Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, Rogers Mato
In the departure Lounge:
Denis Omedi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Joseph Mpande and Shafik Nana Kwiziriza
