Legendary goalkeeper Dennis Onyango has come out of international retirement to rejoin the Uganda Cranes squad as the team prepares for crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Head coach Paul Put revealed Onyango’s inclusion in the squad ahead of Uganda’s upcoming fixtures.
Onyango, who previously retired from international duty in 2021 after a distinguished career amassing 79 caps since 2005, currently plays for South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. His return is timely as Uganda gets ready to take on Mozambique on Friday, September 5, at the Mandela National Stadium.
Coach Put explained that Onyango’s recall was largely due to injury challenges within the goalkeeping department, particularly following the setback to goalkeeper Watenga. “We have been facing difficulties finding reliable goalkeeping options since Watenga’s injury,” Put said. “Onyango’s experience and professionalism, which I observed when he assisted the CHAN team, made him the perfect candidate to strengthen our squad during this important qualification phase.”
In addition to Onyango, the squad features another goalkeeper based in South Africa, Salim Jamal Magoola, whose selection also surprised many due to his previous omissions.
Uganda’s national team will also welcome forward Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, who has previously declined call-ups but is now back in contention after recovering from injury and displaying strong form at club level.
The Uganda Cranes are scheduled to play Mozambique on September 5 and Somalia on September 9, both matches at the Mandela National Stadium.
Training will commence on August 31 for locally based players, with foreign-based stars joining from September 1 to 3.
Currently, Uganda sits fourth in Group G with nine points from six games, keeping their hopes alive for World Cup qualification.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Salim Jamal (Richards Bay), Alionzi Nafian (Defence Forces), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC).
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Elio Capradossi (FC Universitatea), Rogers Torach (Vipers), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC), Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC).
Midfielders
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (Al Arabi SC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien).
Forwards
Dennis Omedi (APR FC), Allan Okello (Vipers), Joseph Mpande (Pvf Cand FC), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Uche Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone).
