The Uganda Cranes are set to return to action with a high-profile international friendly match against the Zanzibar Heroes.
The encounter is organized to commemorate the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) Centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of football administration on the island.
The confirmation comes as a massive boost for the national senior men’s team, offering a crucial competitive test and an immediate opportunity for the technical bench to assess the squad.
According to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the invitation to participate in these historic celebrations highlights the strong, long-standing footballing relationship between Uganda and Zanzibar.
Over the decades, the two sides have shared a fierce but respectful rivalry, particularly lighting up regional tournaments like the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
The match will provide the Cranes with vital minutes on the pitch as the technical team looks to build tactical cohesion, test new combinations, and sharpen the players ahead of upcoming continental assignments.
For the host nation, the fixture is the crown jewel of their centenary activities, and the Zanzibar Heroes will be eager to put up a stellar performance in front of their passionate home crowd at the Amaan Stadium.
FUFA is expected to release the official travel dates and the final squad list of players summoned for the historic trip in the coming days.
The history between Uganda and Zanzibar is defined by hard-fought battles. While the Cranes boast a superior historical record, the islanders have always proven to be a stubborn opponent capable of spring surprises.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has accepted an invitation from the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) for the Uganda Cranes to take part in the federation’s centenary celebrations.
Uganda Cranes will face Zanzibar’s national team in a commemorative international match scheduled for Thursday, 11th June 2026 at the newly constructed Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Kick-off is set for 8:15pm East Africa Time.
Head coach Paul Put has named a 22-man squad composed entirely of locally based players for the fixture. Kenneth Semakula is the only unattached player included in the squad.
The team will begin preparations on Monday, 8th June 2026 with a training session at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo – NEC FC, David Lukwago – SC Villa.
Defenders: Jonathan Odongo – UPPC FC, David Owori – SC Villa, Herbert Achayi – KCCA FC, Simon Kato Semayange – SC Villa, Gavin Kizito – KCCA FC, Raymond Barasa Mangoli – SC Villa, Hillary Mukundane – Vipers SC, Geoffrey Lubanga Kene – SC Villa.
Midfielders: Joel Sserunjogi – KCCA FC, Kenneth Semakula – Unattached, Marvin Nyanzi – Express FC, Abubakali Walusimbi – Vipers SC, Joseph Seremba – NEC FC, Abdu Karim Watambala – Vipers SC.
Forwards: Hassan Mubiru – SC Villa, Sammy Ssebaduka – KCCA FC, Arafat Usama – Vipers SC, Richard Basangwa – NEC FC, Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA FC, Frank Ssebufu – SC Villa.
