Uganda Cranes Head Coach, Paul Put, has named his squad for the final two matches in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, set to take place this month.
Uganda will face South Africa at home on November 15, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium needing only a point to secure a spot in the upcoming AFCON tournament in Morocco, before travelling to Brazzaville to face Congo four days later.
Uganda is currently sitting atop Group K with 10 points, two ahead of second-place South Africa, and are within touching distance of securing their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations should they avoid defeat in any of the two matches scheduled for next week.
One of the most notable aspects of Coach Put’s squad announced Wednesday afternoon is the inclusion of KCCA FC goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa, a man who has been in strong form for his club in the Ugandan Premier League.
Mugolofa joins three other goalkeepers including Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), and Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa).
Coach Put explained his decision to summon four goalkeepers, with Mugolofa’s inclusion reflecting both his recent performances and his potential to play a key role in the future. “We are aware that CHAN (the African Nations Championship) is around the corner and we have games against Burundi next month,” he said.
“So I needed to have him (Mugolofa) around the set-up and also get training sessions with the goalkeeping coach. He has been performing well in the league and maybe next time we will summon another goalkeeper.”
The depth of the goalkeeping department underscores the importance of having multiple options as Uganda prepares for its final AFCON qualifying matches.
The team will gather for residential camp at Cranes Paradise in Kisasi, Nakawa West on Sunday, November 10th with foreign-based players expected to join as they arrive in the country. This will give the squad adequate time to prepare ahead of the crucial fixtures against South Africa and Congo.
Coach Put’s team is well-positioned to qualify for AFCON 2025, but with South Africa still in the running, the Cranes know the importance of securing maximum points in the two fixtures.
South Africa, who have 8 points, are just two points behind Uganda, and both teams will be fighting for the top spot in the group.
Below is the full squad as announced
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