KAMPALA, Uganda: Paul Put has described Uganda Cranes’ upcoming international friendlies in Morocco as a critical assessment platform for his squad ahead of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2027 qualification campaign.
The Uganda Cranes will face Tanzania national football team on June 5 before taking on Madagascar national football team three days later in Marrakech as preparations intensify for the continental qualifiers due later this year.
Speaking after unveiling his 28-man squad, Put said the two matches will help the technical bench gauge the team’s readiness ahead of a demanding qualification schedule starting in September.
“I think these will be two good games to test where we are as a team. Qualifiers for AFCON 2027 start soon in September, October and November, so we need to be prepared,” Put said.
The Belgian tactician explained that his squad selection reflects a deliberate balance between experienced internationals and emerging talents who have impressed both locally and abroad.
“This squad also includes some new names, including local players who have shown their potential and talent this year. I want to give them a chance,” he added.
Among the standout inclusions is Germany-based right back Herbert Bockhorn, who is set for his long-awaited Uganda Cranes debut after initially receiving a national team call-up in 2019 under former coach Sebastien Desabre.
The squad also sees the return of several foreign-based players, including Allan Oyirwoth, Aziz Kayondo and Travis Mutyaba, alongside experienced names such as Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Jordan Obita and Bobosi Byaruhanga.
On the domestic front, Put rewarded standout performers from the Uganda Premier League, including Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Sammy Ssebadduka, Hannington Ssebwalunyo, David Lukwago, Richard Basangwa and Abdu Karim Watambala.
However, the Cranes coach acknowledged that injuries disrupted some of his plans, ruling several key players out of the Morocco trip.
“We also had to deal with injuries. Players like Toby Sibbick are not 100% fit, and Elio Capradossi, Nafian Alionzi and Jude Ssemugabi are carrying injuries,” Put explained.
“Uche has not been playing regularly because his team’s season ended early, so he is not in this squad. These are the selections for this campaign.”
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), David Lukwago (SC Villa), Joel Mutakubwa (Adigrat University FC)
Defenders: Herbert Bockhorn, Nathan Asiimwe, Raymon Barasa Mangoli, Jordan Obita, Geoffrey Lubangakene, Hilary Mukundane, Aziz Kayondo, Herbert Achayi
Midfielders: Joseph Seremba, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Alhassan Baba, Travis Mutyaba, Abdu Karim Watambala
Attackers: Allan Okello, James Bogere, Rogers Mato, Sammy Ssebadduka, Hassan Mubiru, Steven Mukwala, Frank Ssebufu, Allan Oyirwoth, Richard Basangwa, Noble Okello, Arafat Usama Kiza and Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
The friendlies are expected to offer Uganda valuable competitive exposure as the Cranes continue preparations for AFCON 2027, a tournament that will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
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