The Uganda Cranes squad preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia has been boosted by two more players: Khalid Aucho and Steven Desse Mukwala.
Both Aucho and Mukwala are based in Tanzania at Young Africans and Simba Sports Clubs, respectively.
Aucho, also the team captain, joins the list of midfielders that include Ronald Ssekiganda, Kenneth Ssemugabi, Joel Sserunjogi, Abdu Karim Watambala and Travis Mutyaba.
Mukwala is among the forwards on the team with the others being English-born Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, Joseph Mpande (stationed in Vietnam), AC Hackens’ striker John Paul Dembe (Sweden), Rogers Mato (Macedonia), Denis Omedi (Rwanda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), Patrick Jonah Kakande and Allan Okello (Vipers).
The defenders entail Rogers Torach, Toby Sibbick, Herbert Bockhorn, Hillary Mukundane, Jordan Obita Aziizi Kayondo, Herbert Achayi, Gavin Kizito, Elio Capradossi and Elvis Bwomono.
Goalkeepers:
The team also features returning goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Salim Omar Magoola, Nafian Alionzi, and Joel Mutakubwa.
The provisional team has 11 locally based players.
They are expected to start assembling on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at the FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi.
Uganda Cranes face Mozambique on 5th September 2025 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Group G.
Three days later, Uganda Cranes will play Somalia on 8th September 2025 at the same venue.
Algeria currently leads group G with 15 points, Mozambique follows with 12; Uganda and Botswana have 9 points apiece, Guinea has 7, and Somalia has managed a point from the 6 matches played so far.