Rabat, Morocco: Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has unveiled his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, opting for a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent as Uganda targets progression from a tough group.
The squad announcement confirms Put’s trust in AFCON-tested veterans to guide a youthful team drawn in Group C alongside continental giants Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania.
Among the fresh faces is midfielder Alhassan Baba (FCSB, Romania), who earned his first call-up in November, an inclusion he (Baba) described as a major career milestone.
“It’s a great feeling to be part of this squad and my first AFCON tournament. Playing teams like Nigeria and Tunisia is a privilege because most of their players compete in Europe,” Baba said.
“All games are important. We must be at our best and take something from each match to reach the next stage.”
Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and defender David Owori (SC Villa) were dropped from the provisional squad that has been camping in Morocco, opening the door for fresh faces, including 17-year-old striker James Bogere, who impressed at the FIFA U17 World Cup with the Uganda Cubs.
Uganda’s leadership core includes Denis Onyango, Salim Jamal, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awany and captain Khalid Aucho, all of whom bring previous AFCON experience to anchor the squad.
The final list reflects a deliberate balance of experience, tactical discipline and youthful energy, as Uganda seeks to make a competitive impact at its eighth AFCON appearance.
Uganda Cranes Final Squad – AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC – South Africa)
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – South Africa)
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC – Ethiopia)
Defenders:
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England)
Elio Caprodossi (Universitatea Cluj – Romania)
Jordan Obita (Hibernian – Scotland)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah – Saudi Arabia)
Abdu Azizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec – Czech Republic)
Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov – Czech Republic)
Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Midfielders:
Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars – Tanzania)
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC – Rwanda)
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots – USA)
Alhassan Baba (FCSB – Romania)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia)
Forwards:
Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United – Thailand)
Denis Omedi (APR FC – Rwanda)
Rogers Mato (FK Vardar – North Macedonia)
Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC – South Sudan)
Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone – Scotland)
Steven Mukwala (Simba SC – Tanzania)
James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
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