Uganda Cranes Set for Zanzibar Friendly After Cancellation of Morocco Friendlies as Paul Put Names 22-Man Squad

The Uganda Cranes will travel to Zanzibar for an international friendly match to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF).

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed its acceptance of the invitation for the celebratory fixture.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the newly built Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Kick-off is slated for 8:15 PM East Africa Time.

Uganda's head coach, Paul Put, has announced a 22-man squad for the occasion, drawing exclusively from the domestic league.

The selection provides a valuable opportunity for local players to gain international experience. The only unattached player named in the squad is Kenneth Semakula.

The team is set to begin its preparations on Monday, June 8, 2026, with a training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

Meanwhile, the match comes shortly after the cancellation of Uganda Cranes’ international friendlies against Tanzania and Madagascar, which had been scheduled for June 5 and June 8, 2026, in Marrakech, Morocco.

The fixtures were called off following directives from the Moroccan authorities over sanitary and public health concerns, despite the Uganda Cranes delegation already having assembled in the country ahead of the games.

“Some players were finally here after previous challenges such as injuries. I was looking forward to working with them and seeing what they could offer the national team,” coach Paul Put said at the time.

“It was also a good opportunity to assess local players who have never worked with me before and who have had good seasons with their clubs.

“We have to think about how we prepare the team because the qualification matches start in September. We must be ready and competitive when that time comes.”

Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), David Lukwago (SC Villa)

Defenders: Jonathan Odongo (UPPC FC), David Owori (SC Villa), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Simon Kato Semayange (SC Villa), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC), Raymond Barasa Mangoli (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Geoffrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa)

Midfielders: Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Kenneth Semakula (Unattached), Marvin Nyanzi (Express FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Joseph Seremba (NEC FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

Forwards: Hassan Mubiru (SC Villa), Sammy Ssebaduka (KCCA FC), Arafat Usama (Vipers SC), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC), Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa)