Cranes team to face South Africa, Congo named – The Kampala Report

KAMPALA – Budding SC Villa defender Arnold Odongo has received his first call-up to the national team as the

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has announced his 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign.

Uganda will face South Africa in Johannesburg on September 6 before hosting Congo Brazzaville at Namboole Stadium on September 9.

Odongo headlines a handful of locally based players in the team, including Kitara FC’s Dennis Omedi, who has been in scintillating form in the local league.

Uganda Cranes are in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, alongside South Africa, Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan.

Coach Paul Put revealed that several players will be absent due to injury, including midfielder Allan Kyambadde.

The team will travel to South Africa on 31st August to prepare for the first game against Bafana Bafana on 6th September at Orlando Stadium.

The coach confirmed that defenders Kenneth Semakula and Halidi Lwaliwa will not be available for the game against South Africa due to Visa issues.

However, the duo will be available for the home game against Congo at home.

He further revealed that some players have been sidelined due to injuries. These include Allan Kyambadde, Moses Opondo, Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu and Isaac Ssewankambo.

Uganda Cranes is in Group K alongside South Africa, Congo and South Sudan.

FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein confirmed that tickets for the home game against Congo will go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, 28th August 2024).

FULL SQUAD:

Goalkeepers:

Isma Watenga (Golden Arrows), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces), Charles Lukwago (Venda)

Defenders:

Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren), James Begisa (URA), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov), Joseph Ochaya (Al Mokawlon), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta), Halid Lwaliwa (Al Ain), Arnold Odongo (SC Villa), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), Kenneth Ssemakula (Clun Africain)

Midfielders:

Khalid Aucho (Yanga), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek), Said Mayanja (KCCA)

Forwards:

Denis Omedi (Kitara), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), Joachim Ojera (Al Mokawlon), Rogers Mato (Braga Strumica), Steven Mukwala (Simba), Shaban Muhammad (Al Hilal), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens), Allan Okello (Vipers)