Who will be on the Uganda Cranes plane to AFCON 2025?

Uganda qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and returns to the tournament for the first time since 2019.

With almost a month to the start of the tournament in Morocco, Cranes coach Paul Put and his staff have decisions to make in terms of squad selection.

We know that Put has quite a settled view of what constitutes the Uganda Cranes squad – certain regulars always have a place, no matter how their club form ebbs and flows. 

There are still question marks, though, and this international break has seen fresh debutants blooded into the team in the form of Denis Kiggundu and Al Hassan Baba.

Keeping in mind Put’s usual preferences but also a full month to come, Ismael Kiyonga predicts who will be fastening their seat belts on the plane besides injuries and who still have a chance?

Goalkeepers:

Denis Onyango – The Sundowns goalkeeper rescinded his retirement decision after four years to the delight of Ugandans. Onyango, regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the country, featured at both 2017 and 2019 Afcons with standout performances and is pure class.

Jamal Salim Magoola – He was overlooked for over a year but Magoola returned with a bang, keeping two clean sheets against Somalia and Mozambique. At the moment, despite Onyango’s presence, he is regarded as the country’s number one

Who will join the two? Put is a known admirer of Vipers’ Denis Kiggundu and handed him a debut in the 2-1 win over Chad. However, his undoing could be losing his spot at Vipers to Alfred Mudekereza. Others in the fight to join Onyango and Salim are Tom Ikara, Alionzi Nafian and Crispus Kusiima. Club less Joel Mutakubwa is literally out of the contest.

Defenders:

Jordan Obita – Uganda’s undisputed best left-footed centre back. Since his debut, Obita has shown class, composure and solidity that the team lacked. Gives the team proper balance as well.

Elio Capradossi – Most regard him as the best centre back for the Cranes at the moment. His partnership with Obita has improved the team’s build-up play. Intelligent, quick and solid.

Aziz Kayondo – A model of athletic prowess. Kayondo missed the November international break through concussion but is first choice left back for now and many years to come.

Tobby Sibbick – A fantastic all rounder who can play centre back and right back – where the Cranes have predominantly played him. He appears to have ended the right fullback position debate after trials for Kenneth Ssemakula, Gavin Kizito and Elvis Bwomono and will go to Morocco as the first choice in the position.

Herbert Achai – Though his international career hasn’t quite taken off, he made his senior debut against Chad in the absence of first-choice Aziz Kayondo. With Joseph Ochaya and Isaac Muleme overlooked, Achai looks like a safe bet to deputize Kayondo in Morocco.

Hilary Mukundane – He gave a good account of himself during CHAN and has since been included in all squads, albeit without featuring. Given his performances with his club, he is a safe bet to be on the plane to Morocco.

Rogers Torach – Despite being overlooked by Vipers in continental matches, he still earns the trust of Put and started the game against Chad. His versatility, that can see him play as a right back, gives him an additional advantage. Besides, he captained the Uganda Cranes CHAN team after Okello was stripped of the captaincy.

Who else has a chance?  The jury is still out on right back Elvis Bwomono who was overlooked for the November internationals, Timothy Awany who was summoned but injury ruled him out, Gavin Kizito who has always been part of the team regardless of form and Halid Lwaliwa.

Midfielders

Khalid Aucho – A valiant leader who brings qualities that can’t be ignored. He is the captain, experienced, industrious and has organisational skills.

Kenneth Ssemakula – Since being turned into a central midfielder, he has had the best performances in national team colours. Disciplined, positional sense and brings steel in the middle of the park.

Bobosi Byaruhanga – In and out of the Cranes squad in recent times but earning a summon for the November friendlies sends a message. A brilliant passer from long range who offers different dimensions from other midfield options.

Allan Oyirwoth – Yet to be tested at a big stage but has the trust of the Belgian and could be on the plane ahead of more experienced compatriots.

Al Hassan Baba – Born to Ghanian parents in Uganda, Baba made his debut against Chad and was decent. He is looked at as a perfect substitute to captain Khalid. His experience and football education is also key in the decision to take him to Morocco.

Who is in contention? APR midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda is Paul Put’s favourite but was not included in the team to Morocco for Chad and The Atlas Lions games, KCCA’s Joel Sserunjogi and Vipers’ Karim Watambala were also left out but with over 30 days left, can they force themselves into the team?

Forwards

Rogers Mato – Need we say anything here? Mato has proved that he can be trusted on the left side of attack. His character, belief, pace, dribbling and shooting make him the first choice on that flank.

Allan Okello – The Uganda Premier League poster boy has had a fantastic year with the Cranes being part of the goals. He is arguably the most creative player on the team.

Jude Ssemugabi – He has proved to be a reliable player with good work ethic and ability to run his socks off all day in matches. And the fact that he can play either as right wing forward or through the middle gives him advantage.

Steven Mukwala – The Simba SC forward has, of recent, become the Cranes number 9 despite his ratio of goals return being low. Mukwala offers beyond just goals as he is a forward who brings others into the game as well.

Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – Netted on his first start, albeit from the spot against Chad. He still has a lot to prove doubters but given his presence on all squads since September, it is safe to say he has the backing of Put.

Travis Mutyaba – He hasn’t had the best in national team colours of recent but is one of the players who offers creativity that none can provide. Mutyaba still plays with the joy and enthusiasm of a teenager, always eager to make an impact, and Put embraces this. 

Reagan Mpande – Made a case for himself during CHAN and has since been part of Put’s squad, including one for the November international friendlies. And the fact that he now starts games at Villa and is amongst the goals makes him a suitable candidate on the plane to Morocco.

Melyvn Lorenzen – Unless otherwise, his performance in the 2-1 win over Chad in which his goal proved decisive and also in the 4-0 defeat to Morocco makes him a very valuable addition to the squad.

Who else? KCCA forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe was expected to start in the Chan but lost his place and literally put himself out of the equation for a sure place on the plane to Morocco. He can still convince Put in the few remaining UPL matches. Joseph Mpande and Shafik Kwikiriza Nana have been part of the November friendlies but it doesn’t look they are trusted by Put although summoning them shows he has them in plan. The other player is Denis Omedi who has fallen off in recent months. How they convince him and staff in the remaining days will be crucial.

Ismael Kiyonga’s Predicted Cranes Afcon 2025 26-man Squad

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Jamal Salim Magoola, Denis Kiggundu

Defenders: Aziz Kayondo, Tobby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achai, Timothy Awany

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Al Hassan Baba, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Ronald Ssekiganda, Karim Watambala

Forwards: Steven Mukwala, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Melvyn Lorenzen, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi, Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, Rogers Mato