Paul Put Unveils Formidable Uganda Cranes Squad for AFCON Qualifiers

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has expressed confidence in the squad selected for the upcoming international break, describing the period as a "competitive" one for the team.

The Belgian manager has assembled a strong group for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, which will be supplemented by friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As reported by FUFA, Put stated he is pleased with the current form, fitness and dedication of the players called up, believing they possess the quality needed to secure positive results for Uganda.

Put believes the upcoming international window will provide a stern test for Uganda, but remains encouraged by the condition and commitment of the players at his disposal.

The Cranes will face Tunisia and Libya in their AFCON qualifying assignments, while the additional friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo will give Put another opportunity to assess his squad and build depth.

With a demanding schedule ahead, the coach is confident that the players selected can rise to the challenge and compete for positive results.

Addressing the absence of several key players, Put provided clear explanations for some of the notable omissions.

He confirmed that both Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi are sidelined with injuries and wished them a swift recovery.

Their absence means Uganda will head into the international window without two players who could have provided valuable experience and quality to the squad.

Other prominent names missing from the roster include captain Khalid Aucho, Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Rogers Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi.

According to Put, the reasons for their exclusion vary. Some of the players are currently without a club or have only recently completed transfers, limiting the amount of competitive football they have played.

Others are still working their way back to full match fitness after long-term injuries and have not yet accumulated sufficient minutes on the pitch.

For Put, the priority is to select players who are physically ready and actively competing at club level, particularly with Uganda facing a demanding run of international fixtures.

Despite the high-profile omissions, Put stressed that the current squad should not be viewed as a closed group.

The coach emphasised that all absent players still have an opportunity to return to the national team if they regain their fitness, secure regular playing time and demonstrate the required form.

That approach could create healthy competition within the squad, with established players needing to maintain their standards while younger or less experienced members look to establish themselves.

With the AFCON qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya forming the centrepiece of the international window, Uganda will have little room for complacency.

The additional fixtures against DR Congo will also give Put valuable opportunities to evaluate his options and continue building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

For now, the Belgian coach appears satisfied with the players available to him and believes they have what it takes to make the upcoming international break a productive one for the Cranes.

The selected goalkeepers are Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), David Lukwago – SC Villa (Uganda) and Hannington Ssebwalunyo – NEC FC (Uganda).

Defenders- Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion FC (England), Jonathan Odongo – UPPC FC (Uganda), Rogers Torach – CS Constantine (Algeria), Aziizi Kayondo – FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi – KCCA FC (Uganda), Herbert Bockhorn – FC Magdeburg (Germany), Nathan Asiimwe – Salford City FC (England), Geofrey Lubanga Kene – SC Villa (Uganda), Hillary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda) and Gavin Kizito – Nairobi United FC (Kenya).

Midfielders-Baba Alhassan – Mardin 1996 Spor (Turkey), Noble Okello – Lexington SC (USA), Kenneth Semakula – Al Ittihad Alexandria Club (Egypt), Allan Oyirwoth – Dunfermline FC (Scotland) and Joseph Seremba – Nairobi United FC (Kenya).

Forwards – AS FAR (Morocco), James Bogere – AGF (Denmark), Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), Denis Omedi – Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), Rogers Mato – Hearts FC (Scotland), Hassan Mubiru – Azam FC (Tanzania), Sadam Masereka – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USA), Steven Mukwala – Al Nasr SC (Libya), Richard Basangwa – NEC FC (Uganda) and Frank Ssebufu – SC Villa (Uganda).