KAMPALA, Nov. 7 — Uganda Cranes’ head coach Paul Put has named his squad Wednesday that will embark on preparations ahead of a crucial Group K Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against South Africa. The Cranes, who lead Group K with ten points, will host second-placed SouthAfrica on November 15th at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Coach Put’s team can afford a draw to qualify for the AFCON 2025, which will take place in Morocco. After facing SouthAfrica, the Uganda Cranes will travel to play Congo Brazzaville in four days. “We have to prepare well because we need one point from the possible six to be able to qualify. It is going to be a lot of hard work because facing SouthAfrica in front of our fans will call for a lot of effort,” Put told Xinhua. The coach has also invited youngster Travis Mutyaba, who signed last month for French second division side Girondins Bordeaux, and two defenders based in the Czech Republic, Isaac Muleme and Abdu Aziiki Kayondo. Swedish-based striker John Paul Dembe, who featured for BK Hacken and emerged as the top scorer at the recent AFCON U-17 CECAFA qualifiers, has also been summoned to the national team for the first time.
Uganda kickstarted their campaign with a 2-2 draw away to SouthAfrica and followed it with a 2-0 home win against Congo Brazzaville. The Uganda Cranes last month stopped South Sudan 1-0 in Kampala and 1-0 away in Juba to improve their chances of qualification for the AFCON since their last appearance in 2019. Uganda’s squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, (South Africa), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda) Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geoffrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia) Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda) Forwards: Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick, Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden).
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