Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has sprung a major surprise by recalling legendary 40-year-old goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango from international retirement to bolster the squad ahead of September’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Onyango, who hung up his Cranes gloves in 2021 after amassing 79 caps since making his debut in 2005, returns to the fold as Uganda prepares to face Mozambique on Friday, September 5, and Somalia on Monday, September 9, both at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Coach Put explained that Onyango’s recall was necessitated by an injury crisis in the goalkeeping department, particularly following the setback to first-choice goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
“We have been facing difficulties in the goalkeeping unit. Onyango’s experience and professionalism, which I saw when he supported the CHAN team, make him the perfect choice to stabilize us in this critical qualification phase,” Put said.
Onyango, who plies his trade with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, is widely regarded as Uganda’s greatest-ever goalkeeper, having captained the Cranes to the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals. His leadership and wealth of experience are expected to provide a major boost as Uganda seeks to keep its qualification hopes alive.
The squad also features another South Africa-based goalkeeper, Salim Jamal Magoola of Richards Bay, whose return after a long absence adds further intrigue to the selection.
In attack, the Cranes welcome striker Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, who has previously turned down call-ups but is now back in contention after regaining fitness and form at St. Johnstone in Scotland. Local stars Allan Okello, Patrick Kakande, and Reagan Mpande also headline the offensive unit.
Uganda currently sits fourth in Group G with nine points from six matches, leaving the upcoming fixtures crucial for their World Cup qualification chances. Training for locally based players begins August 31, with foreign-based stars expected to join between September 1–3.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Salim Jamal (Richards Bay), Alionzi Nafian (UPDF), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL).
Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Elio Capradossi (FC Universitatea), Rogers Torach (Vipers), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers), Jordan Obita (Hibernian), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA), Gavin Kizito (KCCA).
Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (Al Arabi SC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien).
Forwards: Dennis Omedi (APR FC), Allan Okello (Vipers), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Uche Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone).
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