Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has sprung a major surprise by recalling legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango to the national team as he unveiled a 28-man squad set to battle Mozambique and Somalia in the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The announcement was made at the FUFA Complex in Mengo on Wednesday afternoon, sparking excitement across the football fraternity as fans prepare to witness Onyango don the national colours once again, three years after he officially retired in April 2022.
Uganda will host both fixtures at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, first taking on Mozambique on Friday 5th September before facing Somalia on Monday 8th September, with both ties carrying enormous weight in the qualification journey.
Onyango’s return has dominated the headlines, with many Ugandans viewing his comeback as a morale booster and a chance to inject leadership into a squad that continues to blend youthful energy with seasoned campaigners.
The towering shot-stopper, renowned for his command and big-match temperament, could prove pivotal in a campaign where every point matters.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Jamal Salim Magoola, Alionzi Nafian, Joel Mutakubwa.
Defenders: Elvis Bwomono, Herbert Bockhorn, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Torach, Toby Sibbick, Hilary Mukundane, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Herbert Achayi, Gavin Kizito.
Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda, Kenneth Ssemakula, Joel Sserunjogi, Travis Mutyaba, Karim Watambala.
Forwards: Denis Omedi, Allan Okello, Joseph Mpande, Rogers Mato, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi, John Paul Ddembe, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu.
With two home games to ignite their qualification hopes, the Cranes will be banking on crowd support at Namboole, tactical discipline from Paul Put, and the return of a captain who once carried the nation to unprecedented heights.
