Veteran goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango has all but confirmed that his international playing days are nearing their end, admitting he does not envision himself featuring as a player at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Onyango, who briefly returned from international retirement in August to support the Uganda Cranes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, made the revelation in the aftermath of Uganda’s underwhelming AFCON 2025 campaign.
Speaking after the group-stage exit, the 40-year-old suggested that if he remains involved with the national team by 2027, it will likely be in a non-playing capacity.
“2027 is very far for me. Maybe I can help as part of the technical team, but as a player, I don’t see myself getting there,” Onyango was quoted by Kawowo Sports.
Uganda’s return to the continental stage ended in disappointment, with the Cranes bowing out at the group phase.
Despite the outcome, Onyango believes the experience will prove valuable, especially with the next AFCON set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
“It was a very good learning experience for the boys,” Onyango noted. “After spending years away from the tournament, I felt we could have picked better results in some matches, but it didn’t happen. We were missing something, and I hope the team will address that before 2027. Playing at home means we must improve.”
Onyango featured in Uganda’s match against Tanzania and later started against Nigeria, where he played the first 45 minutes before being forced off through injury.
His replacement, Salim Jamal Magoola, endured a difficult outing, lasting just 11 minutes before receiving a red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
The Cranes finished bottom of Group C with a single point, while Nigeria topped the standings with a perfect nine points.
Tunisia followed with four points, and Tanzania progressed with two. Notably, all three of Uganda’s group opponents advanced to the round of 16.
As focus shifts toward rebuilding for the future, Onyango’s words underline both the closing of a distinguished playing chapter and the growing urgency for Uganda to prepare decisively for AFCON 2027 on home soil.
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