Uganda Cranes: Meet the 7 New Faces Paul Put Hopes to Unleash on Libya

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has introduced nine new players with Ugandan heritage to the national team setup as part of a strategic effort to build a competitive squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This initiative focuses on integrating players who were born and raised abroad but are eligible to represent Uganda through their ancestry. The new additions were unveiled as the team departed for Hoima City ahead of a crucial qualifier against Libya.

Two of the new faces, Nathan Asiimwe and Noble Okello, have already made their debuts for the Cranes in a recent match against Tunisia. The other seven players are now in contention for upcoming fixtures.

While some may feature in the qualifier against Libya on Tuesday, many are expected to get their first taste of action in two friendly matches scheduled against the Democratic Republic of Congo next month.

Meet the New Recruits

The group includes a mix of talent from various European leagues, adding depth and experience to the squad.

A midfielder for Sint-Truiden in Belgium, Sissako (born May 26, 1998) has previously represented France at the U18 and U19 levels. He qualifies for Uganda through his grandmother, who was born in Kampala.

A goalkeeper playing for Mosta FC in Malta, Udoh (born July 18, 1999) was part of Nigeria's FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning squad in 2015. His eligibility comes from his grandparent, who hails from Busia, Uganda.

A versatile defensive midfielder and centre-back with Polish club Rakow Czestochowa, Debohi (born January 15, 2001) has Ivorian heritage but is connected to Uganda through his maternal grandmother from Majanji.

A left-back for FC Winterthur in Switzerland, Diaby (born October 8, 1999) has Ivorian parents and qualifies through his maternal grandfather from Masaka.

A forward with K. Beerschot VA in Belgium's second tier, Vula (born March 26, 1999) was born to Congolese parents. His paternal grandmother was born in Pakwach.

A powerful centre-forward from Austria Vienna, Boateng (born March 24, 2000) is a graduate of the renowned Right to Dream Academy. Born to Ghanaian parents, he is eligible through a grandparent born in Uganda.

A towering young goalkeeper (1.98m) playing for Assyriska FF in Sweden, Osayi (born June 3, 2004) was born to Nigerian parents and qualifies through his maternal grandmother from Kaberamaido.