Ghana-born Al Hasssan Baba Headlines Uganda Cranes Squad for AFCON Warm-Up Games

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 28-man provisional squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Chad and Morocco, marking the team’s final preparations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. 

The matches, scheduled for November 15 and 19 in Morocco, will serve as vital tune-ups for the Cranes before they embark on their AFCON Group C campaign in December.

The major talking point in the newly announced squad is the inclusion of Ghana-born midfielder Al Hasssan Baba, who plies his trade with Romanian giants FC Steaua Bucharest.

 The dynamic midfielder, who recently acquired eligibility to represent Uganda, is the only new face in Put’s selection. His creativity and technical prowess are expected to add depth to the Cranes’ midfield.

Also making headlines is the return of Lorenzen Melvyn, the former Werder Bremen attacker, who has been recalled to the national fold for the first time since 2016. Lorenzen made his debut against Zimbabwe nine years ago and his return is seen as part of Put’s broader plan to blend experience with youthful exuberance.

The squad boasts a strong local presence, with nine players drawn from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL). Leading the home-based contingent are Vipers SC’s quartet of Allan Okello, Denis Kiggundu, Rogers Torach, and Hilary Mukundane. They are joined by BUL FC goalkeeper Tom Ikara, KCCA FC’s Herbert Achayi and Shafik Kwikiriza, URA defender Moses Alio, and SC Villa midfielder Reagan Mpande.

The foreign-based group features several familiar names, including veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, defenders Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita, and midfield stalwart Khalid Aucho. Their presence brings much-needed experience and leadership to the squad, especially as the team prepares to face some of Africa’s elite nations in December.

Notably absent from the squad are goalkeepers Alionzi Nafian and Crispus Kusiima, as well as APR duo Denis Omedi and Ronald Ssekiganda, who have been left out as Put continues to fine-tune his preferred lineup.

Having guided Uganda back to the AFCON finals after a six-year hiatus, Paul Put emphasized the importance of maintaining balance in his team selection.

Uganda will open their AFCON Group C campaign against Tunisia on December 23, before facing Tanzania on December 27 and Nigeria on December 30. The upcoming friendlies in Morocco will thus be crucial in shaping the Cranes’ final form and boosting confidence ahead of their continental challenge.

Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay – S. Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – S. Africa), Tom Ikara (BUL – Uganda), Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC – Uganda)

Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England), Elio Capodossi (FC Universitates Cluj – Romania), Jordan Obita (Hibernian – Scotland), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC – Uganda), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC – Uganda), Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Rep.), Herbert Achayi (KCCA – Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel), Moses Aliro (URA – Uganda)

Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah – Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC – Tanzania), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution – USA), Baba Al Hassan (FC Steaua Bucharest – Romania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC – USA)

Forwards: Allan Okello (Vipers SC – Uganda), Melyvn Lorenzen (Muangthong Utd – Thailand), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand – Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar – Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa – Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus – S. Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone – Scotland), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC – Tanzania), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA – Uganda)