David GOMBE
Uganda’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign is finally underway, and the buzz is electric as SuperSport beams the action live to fans across the country.
The Cranes head into the tournament with a squad that blends experience and youthful flair, determined to make their mark on Africa’s biggest stage. From commanding midfield generals to sharp, goal-hungry forwards, these players carry the hopes of a nation and promise football that will get fans off their seats. Below are profiles of Uganda Cranes stars who are going to light up the tournament for the Cranes.
Denis Onyango
Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 15 May 1985 in Kampala
Club career: SC Villa (2004 – 2005); Saint George (Ethiopia, 2005 – 2006); SuperSport United (South Africa, 2006 – 2010); Mpumalanga Black Aces (South Africa, 2010 – 2011); Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa, 2011 – present); Bidvest Wits (South Africa, 2013 – 2014, loan)
International debut: 18 June 2005, Uganda 1-0 Cape Verde, World Cup Qualifier
Caps/clean sheets: 82/44
Previous AFCONs: 2017, 2019
Denis Onyango is Uganda’s most influential footballer of the modern era, a calm, authoritative goalkeeper whose career longevity underpins his legendary status. Born in Kampala in 1985, Onyango rose from SC Villa to continental prominence with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning multiple PSL titles and the 2016 CAF Player of the Year award. With 82 caps and 44 clean sheets, he remains the Cranes’ defensive cornerstone. At the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, Onyango’s experience, leadership and game management will be vital as Uganda navigate Group C against Tunisia, Tanzania and Nigeria, guiding a younger squad under pressure with confidence, discipline and belief, nationwide hope.
Allan Okello
Position: Attacking midfielder
Born: 4 July 2000 in Lira
Club career: KCCA (2017 – 2020; 2022 – 2023 loan); Paradou AC (Algeria, 2020 – 2023); Vipers SC (2023 – present)
International debut: 8 September 2019, Kenya 1-1 Uganda, International Friendly
Caps/goals: 32/6
Previous AFCONs: N/A
Allan Okello is one of Uganda’s brightest attacking talents, a technically gifted playmaker whose creativity and composure set him apart. Born in Lira in 2000, he developed at KCCA before refining his game in Algeria with Paradou AC and now anchors midfield for Vipers SC. A standout at CHAN 2024, where he scored three goals from midfield, Okello brings vision, set-piece quality and late runs into the box. At the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, he will be central to Uganda’s attacking identity, tasked with unlocking defences and providing control and inspiration against Group C opponents Tunisia, Tanzania and Nigeria, adding flair and confidence to the Cranes’ ambitions.
Khalid Aucho
Position: Defensive midfielder
Born: 8 August 1993 in Jinja
Club career: Jinja Municipal (2009 – 2010); Water FC (2010 – 2012); Simba SC (Tanzania, 2012 – 2013); Tusker FC (Kenya, 2013 – 2014); Gor Mahia (Kenya, 2015 – 2016); Baroka FC (South Africa, 2016); Red Star Belgrade (Serbia, 2017); OFK Beograd (Serbia, 2017 loan); East Bengal (India, 2017 – 2018); Churchill Brothers (India, 2018 – 2019); Misr El Makkasa (Egypt, 2019 – 2021); Young Africans (Tanzania, 2021 – 2015); Singida Black Stars (Tanzania, 2025 – present)
International debut: 29 November 2013, Uganda 1-0 Rwanda, CECAFA Cup group stage
Caps/goals: 72/2
Previous AFCONs: 2017, 2019
Khalid Aucho is the heartbeat of the Uganda Cranes, a disciplined defensive midfielder whose leadership and tactical intelligence anchor the side. Born in Jinja in 1993, the national team captain now plies his trade with Singida Black Stars in Tanzania, bringing continental experience and composure to midfield. With 72 caps, Aucho excels at breaking up play, shielding the defence and setting the tempo with simple, effective distribution. At the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, his role will be crucial in balancing Uganda’s shape and resilience, particularly against the physical and technical challenges posed by Tunisia, Tanzania and Nigeria in Group C, ensuring structure, calm authority and collective belief.
Catch the Uganda Cranes stars in action at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on the dedicated pop-up channel SuperSport AFCON (Channel 222 on DStv and Channel 359 on GOtv). Catch every match and enjoy Ka Weekie for as low as UGX 11,500 on GOtv Plus and UGX 15,000 on DStv Access for your live AFCON action.
Uganda Cranes Group Stage Fixtures
Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Tunisia vs Uganda 23:00 SuperSport AFCON (Channel 222 on DStv and Channel 359 on GOtv)
Saturday 27th December 2025
Uganda vs Tanzania 20:30 SuperSport AFCON (Channel 222 on DStv and Channel 359 on GOtv)
Tuesday 30th December 2025
Uganda Vs Nigeria 19:00 SuperSport AFCON (Channel 222 on DStv and Channel 359 on GOtv)
