Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, has named a solid 27-man squad for their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against South Africa and Congo.
Topping Group K, Uganda is on the verge of securing a place in next year’s AFCON finals in Morocco. With only a draw needed in their upcoming home match against South Africa, scheduled for next Thursday in Kampala, the Cranes are within touching distance of qualification.
Head coach Paul Put has opted for a well-balanced squad, with a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, including two uncapped players.
Notably, teenage forward John Paul Dembe and fourth-choice goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa are set to bring fresh energy to the team.
Uganda’s journey in these qualifiers has showcased their depth and adaptability, and the current squad selection reflects a focus on both skill and experience.
Uganda’s Goalkeepers: Stability and Experience
The Cranes’ goalkeeping lineup is led by the experienced Isima Watenga, Uganda’s first-choice goalkeeper. Despite not having played for his club, Lamontville Golden Arrows, this season, Watenga’s proven abilities and leadership make him the preferred choice.
Uganda’s squad also includes Charles Lukwago, another South African-based goalkeeper from Venda FC. With Mutwalibu Mugolofa of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Nafian Alionzi from Ethiopia’s Defence Forces, Put has ensured a comprehensive mix of options between the posts, offering stability and confidence.
Interestingly, the decision to exclude Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola has drawn attention. Magoola has not been called up since leading a player strike last year, advocating for better pay for the national team.
The current selection underlines Uganda’s depth in goal, with a focus on players committed to the national cause.
AFCON 2025: Uganda National Team Coach Put Names 27-Man Squad for Crucial -Header Against South Africa and Congo. pic.twitter.com/wlbIuSisIy
— Premier Bet Uganda (@Premier_Bet_UG) November 6, 2024
Defense: A Cohesive Unit with International Reach
Uganda’s defense showcases a well-rounded mix of local and international talent. The lineup includes experienced defenders like Timothy Awany, currently playing in Israel for Ashdod, and Halidi Lwaliwa, who plays for Al Ain in Saudi Arabia.
Other defenders include Aziz Abdu Kayondo, based in the Czech Republic with Slovan Liberec, and Bevis Mugabi, who plays for Famagusta Anorthosis in Cyprus.
Local talents like Gavin Kizito from KCCA and Geoffrey Wasswa, who plays for Ethiopia Bunna, bring added strength and familiarity to the squad. The defenders’ exposure to diverse leagues and playing styles has contributed to Uganda’s solid backline, which will be essential in their critical clash against South Africa.
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Midfield: Experience and Playmaking Ability
The midfield selection is spearheaded by the experienced Khalid Aucho, currently with Young Africans in Tanzania. Aucho’s extensive international experience, coupled with his playmaking skills, makes him an invaluable asset for Uganda.
Bobosi Byaruhanga, now representing Austin FC in the USA, adds another layer of creativity to the team. The Cranes also welcome Taddeo Lwanga from Rwanda’s APR FC and Saidi Mayanja from KCCA, both known for their ability to disrupt opponents and set up attacks.
Emerging midfielder Travis Mutyaba, who plays for Girondins Bordeaux in France, is another exciting inclusion. Alongside Allan Okello from Vipers and Ronald Ssekiganda from SC Villa, these players bring agility, vision, and control to Uganda’s midfield.
This balance of experience and youth makes Uganda’s midfield a formidable force, ready to face the challenges posed by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Forward Line: A Blend of Youth and Firepower
Uganda’s attack is bolstered by the inclusion of teenage sensation John Paul Dembe. The young forward, who plays for Hacken in Sweden, made headlines as the top scorer in the zonal under-20 African Championship qualifiers with six goals.
Dembe’s recent performance has made him a rising star, and his addition to the senior squad signifies Uganda’s commitment to developing young talent.
Joining Dembe in the forward line are seasoned players like Steven Mukwala from Tanzania’s Simba and Derrick Nsibambi from KCCA.
Calvin Kabuye, based in Sweden with Sandviken, and Rogers Mato, playing for Akademija Pandev in North Macedonia, further strengthen the attacking options.
The inclusion of Hakim Kiwanuka from SC Villa and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza from KCCA adds additional depth, providing Coach Put with a variety of attacking strategies.
Uganda’s Road to AFCON Qualification
Uganda’s path to AFCON qualification has been impressive, with the Cranes displaying consistent performance in the group stages. Their leadership in Group K is a testament to their disciplined gameplay and cohesive team effort.
The upcoming match against South Africa will be pivotal, as a draw will be enough for Uganda to secure their place in the AFCON finals in Morocco.
The Cranes’ current lineup reflects strategic planning and a focus on team dynamics. Coach Paul Put has skillfully combined established players with emerging talent, allowing Uganda to field a versatile and adaptive team.
The inclusion of two uncapped players, Dembe and Mugolofa, highlights Put’s readiness to trust new talents on the big stage.
Key Players to Watch
Several players in Uganda’s squad will be crucial to their success in these qualifiers:
- Isima Watenga – Uganda’s first-choice goalkeeper is a seasoned player who will need to bring his best against South Africa’s strong attack.
- Khalid Aucho – His leadership and experience in the midfield will be vital for controlling the game’s pace and creating scoring opportunities.
- John Paul Dembe – The young forward has proven his ability to find the net, and his debut with the senior team is highly anticipated.
- Enzo Fernandez – Known for his playmaking skills, Fernandez’s contribution will be essential in breaking down defenses.
Uganda’s Strategy for the Final Matches
With only two games remaining in the qualifiers, Uganda’s focus will be on securing points against South Africa before concluding their campaign against Congo in Brazzaville.
A solid defensive strategy combined with dynamic midfield control will be crucial in the game against South Africa, who are also known for their strong offensive play.
Coach Put’s balanced squad allows Uganda to play to their strengths while adapting to the pace and physicality of their opponents. The Cranes have shown resilience and skill throughout the qualifiers, and they’re determined to finish strong.
