David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has named a squad of 26 players to prepare for the final Group G 2026 World Cup qualifier matches.
Uganda will lock horns with Botswana on Thursday, 9th October in Francistown before taking on Algeria on Tuesday, 14th October at Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium.
The squad named by the Belgian tactician has three goalkeepers in Denis Onyango, Salim Jamal Magoola and Nafian Alionzi.
It is also composed of eight defenders who include Elio Capradossi, Rogers Torach, Toby Sibbick, Hilary Mukundane, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo among others.
Six midfielders have been named in the squad with Bobosi Byaruhanga and Allan Oyirwoth who feature dir Oakland Roots SC and New England Revolution in the USA respectively return to the team. Both midfielders have missed out on the previous summons.
Patrick Jonah Kakande, Joel Sserunjogi and Abdul Karim Watambala who were summoned for games against Mozambique and Somalia miss out.
Uganda is still in contention for a dream World Cup slot and need to win both games to keep their hopes alive.
For Algeria who top the Group with 19 points and four ahead of second placed Uganda need just one win to prevail to the World Cup due in USA, Mexico and Canada next year.
Uganda Cranes squad
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders
Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
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 (Jamus, South Sudan),Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Steven Mukwala
