Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has confirmed the final squad that will fly the national flag at the AFCON 2025 finals, blending proven experience with emerging talent as the team targets a strong showing on the continental stage.
The squad features a solid goalkeeping department led by long-serving captain Denis Onyango, whose vast AFCON pedigree is complemented by Salim Magoola and Nafian Alionzi, offering both experience and competition between the posts.
In defence, Put has assembled a versatile and internationally exposed unit. Europe-based options Toby Sibbick, Elio Caprodossi and Jordan Obita add depth and tactical flexibility, while locally based performers Rogers Torach and Hilary Mukundane provide familiarity with the domestic game.
The backline is further strengthened by Abdu Azizi Kayondo, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awany and Kenneth Semakula, giving the Cranes multiple options across the defensive positions.
Midfield duties will be anchored by the ever-reliable Khalid Aucho, whose leadership is expected to be key, alongside the energetic Ronald Ssekiganda and Bobosi Byaruhanga. Creativity and attacking impetus will come from Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba and Alhassan Baba, as Uganda looks to control games and transition quickly.
Up front, Put has opted for variety and firepower. The attacking department includes experienced forwards Melvyn Lorenzen and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, in-form Denis Omedi, and regional-based attackers Steven Mukwala and Rogers Mato.
Young and local talents such as James Bogere, Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza also make the cut, underlining the coach’s faith in both youth and domestic league performers.
Uganda Cranes final squad list
Goalkeepers:
Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, South Africa)
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders:
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion FC, England)
Elio Caprodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj, Romania)
Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia)
Abdu Azizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic)
Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Midfielders:
Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC, Tanzania)
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda)
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Alhassan Baba (FCSB, Romania)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
Forwards:
Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United FC, Thailand)
Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)
Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda)
Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan)
Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone FC, Scotland)
Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania)
James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC, Uganda)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)
