Uganda Cranes Final Squad Announced for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Against South Africa and Congo

*By John Kusolo*

The Uganda Cranes, under Head Coach Paul Put, have announced the final squad for the decisive last two matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Uganda will first meet South Africa on November 15 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, before traveling to Brazzaville to take on Congo on November 19. Leading Group K with 10 points, Uganda only requires one point from these two matches to secure qualification for the prestigious continental tournament in 2025.

*Group K Standings*

The Cranes currently sit at the top of Group K with 10 points, followed by South Africa with 8 points, Congo with 4 points, and South Sudan with 0 points. Uganda’s qualification hopes remain high, as even a single point from the two games would ensure their place at AFCON 2025.

The squad list features several prominent players, alongside a few surprising inclusions and omissions that reflect the coaching staff's strategy. Notably, KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalib Mugolofa and SC Villa winger Hakim Kiwanuka have made the squad, decisions which Coach Put explained as preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, where Uganda will face Burundi.

The squad also sees the return of Ethiopia-based defender Geoffrey Wasswa, while some players from the previous window, including Elio Capradossi, Nicholas Mwere (BUL), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), and Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA), have been left out this time.

In preparation for the crucial fixtures, the team will begin a residential camp on Sunday at Cranes Paradise, Kisasi. The foreign-based players are expected to join the squad as they arrive from their respective clubs around the world. This camp aims to boost team cohesion and prepare the players physically and mentally for the intense matches ahead.

*Full Uganda Cranes Squad Breakdown*

Goalkeepers

Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)

Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa)

Mutwalibu Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)

The selection of Isima Watenga and Charles Lukwago, both based in South Africa, brings valuable experience. Meanwhile, Nafian Alionzi and Mutwalibu Mugolofa are set to offer depth to the goalkeeping lineup.

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)

Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic)

Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)

Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece)

Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel)

Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia)

Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

The defensive lineup combines both seasoned internationals and domestic league talents. Players like Bevis Mugabi and Timothy Awany bring international experience, while Uganda Premier League standouts such as Gavin Kizito Mugweri provide strength and versatility.

Midfielders

Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania)

Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA)

Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda)

Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda)

Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France)

Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Uganda’s midfield is a mix of youth and experience, with Khalid Aucho and Taddeo Lwanga anchoring the defensive midfield, while promising talents like Travis Mutyaba and Allan Okello add creativity. The inclusion of Saidi Mayanja highlights the team’s future focus, with players groomed for the CHAN tournament.

Forwards

Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda)

Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda)

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica)

Derrick Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania)

Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)

Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Uganda)

John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

The forwards’ lineup reflects Coach Put’s balance between experience and new energy. Striker Derrick Steven Mukwala, a key player in the Tanzanian Premier League, and promising players like John Paul Dembe and Jude Ssemugabi provide depth. This setup aims to deliver a formidable attack against South Africa and Congo.

Coach Paul Put, in addressing the press, expressed his confidence in the squad's ability to deliver. He emphasized that the selection decisions were informed not only by the immediate AFCON qualification needs but also by Uganda’s upcoming CHAN participation. By blending players from local clubs and international leagues, he aims to maximize the team's versatility and prepare for various competitive fronts.

Put stressed the importance of both matches, underscoring that although Uganda only needs one point to qualify, the team is fully committed to securing a win in each game to maintain momentum and build morale.

November 15: Uganda vs South Africa – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

November 19: Congo vs Uganda – Brazzaville

With a strong squad, a mix of domestic and international talent, and comprehensive preparation under Coach Paul Put, the Uganda Cranes are well-positioned to make their mark in these final qualifiers. As they head to Namboole and later to Brazzaville, the team is focused on securing their AFCON 2025 spot, bringing pride to Ugandan football fans, and setting the stage for future success.