Uganda’s quest for a maiden World Cup berth gathers momentum as ten foreign-based players touched down in Gaborone ahead of the decisive Group G qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria.
The arrivals are a mix of Europe, Africa and US-based pros who join a squad determined to keep Uganda’s qualification dream alive in this tight group.
Among the arrivals are Captain Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Semakula, Steven Mukwala, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, Elio Capradosi, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, and Nafian Alionzi, all of whom ply their trade abroad.
The locally-based players who reported earlier include Allan Okello, Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Enock Ssebagala, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, and Herbert Achayi, forming a solid domestic core to complement their foreign-based teammates.
Uganda will face Botswana on Thursday, 9th October, in Francistown, before concluding the campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, 14th October, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.
The Cranes sit second in Group G, four points behind leaders Algeria, meaning that victories in both fixtures are crucial if Uganda is to keep its long-standing dream of a World Cup debut alive.
Uganda Cranes Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders: Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Forwards: Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus, South Sudan), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda)
