Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Cranes co-coach Morley Byekwaso Monday announced the final 25-man squad that will represent the country at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with midfielder Allan Okello confirmed as team captain.
Okello, who plies his trade with UPL Champions Vipers SC, will be deputised by goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC) and Vipers’ teammate Rogers Ochaki Torach, forming the leadership trio for a team aiming to make history at the regional showpiece.
The squad is composed of 25 players: three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards, most of whom feature prominently in Uganda’s top flight league.
Key players in the midfield include the captain Allan Okello, Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), and Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), while the attack will be spearheaded by experienced forward Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe, and Jude Ssemugabi.
In defence, the Cranes will rely on the solid presence of Herbert Achai (KCCA FC), Gideon Odong (NEC FC), and Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC) among others.
Coach Byekwaso’s side is preparing to feature at CHAN for the seventh time, and optimism is high that the current squad, buoyed by home advantage, can go further than previous editions. Uganda will kick off its campaign on August 4, 2025 against Algeria, a formidable North African side.
The CHAN tournament exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues, giving local stars a platform to shine on the continental stage. For Uganda, this is not just a test of tactical readiness but an opportunity to showcase the depth of talent in the Uganda Premier League.
Full Cranes Squad for CHAN 2024
Goalkeepers; Joel Mutakubwa from BUL FC, Denis Kiggundu of Vipers SC, and Chrispas Kusiima from Kitara FC.
Defenders; Arnold Odong of SC Villa, Nicholas Mwere from BUL FC, Gideon Odong of NEC FC, Herbert Achai from KCCA FC, Rogers Torach of Vipers SC, Lazaro Muhindo of KCCA FC, Hilary Mukundane from Vipers SC, and Kizito Gavin also of KCCA FC, bring both experience and depth to the backline.
Midfielders; Joseph Youngman Marvin of Vipers SC, Elvis Ngonde and Patrick Jonah Kakande from SC Villa, team captain Allan Okello, Joel Sserunjogi, and Enock Ssebagala—all from KCCA FC—as well as Abdu Karim Watambala.
Forwards; Jude Ssemugabi of Kitara FC, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Arafat Kiza Usama, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Reagan Mpande, Emmanuel Anyama, and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza.
Uganda, which qualified automatically for the 2024 CHAN tournament by virtue of co-hosting the championship alongside Kenya and Tanzania, is drawn in a competitive Group C that includes Algeria, South Africa, Niger and Guinea.
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