Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has turned to both experience and fresh talent as he unveiled his squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Chad and Morocco in North Africa.
The Belgian tactician, recently handed a contract extension until 2028, used the call-ups to signal the beginning of a new era one that blends tested internationals with emerging prospects as Uganda intensifies preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month.
Among the standout inclusions is midfielder Al Hassan Baba, who earns his first-ever national team call-up. The Romanian-based playmaker, who turns out for FCSB (formerly Steaua București), will be keen to make an impression.
Also making headlines is Melvyn Lorenzen’s recall, nearly nine years after his only appearance for the Cranes in a 2016 friendly against Zimbabwe. His return adds attacking depth and international experience to the frontline.
Locally, nine home-based stars have made the cut, including Vipers SC’s Allan Okello, whose creative spark remains central to Uganda’s attacking ambitions.
Goalkeepers Tom Ikara and Denis Kiggundu, alongside defender Timothy Awany, complete a list that balances continuity with opportunity.
Uganda will first face Chad on November 15, before taking on Morocco four days later both fixtures to be staged in Morocco. The games are expected to help Put fine-tune tactics and assess player combinations ahead of a daunting AFCON Group C campaign, where Uganda will face Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
With competition for places heating up, these matches could prove decisive for several players dreaming of making the final AFCON squad.
UGANDA CRANES Squad
Goalkeepers; Magoola Salim Omar (Richards Bay FC, S.Africa), Onyango Denis (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, S.Africa), Ikara Tom (BUL FC, Uganda) and Kiggundu Denis (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Defenders; Sibbick Toby (Burton Albion FC, England), Elio Caprodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Obita Jordan (Hibernian FC, Scotland), Torach Rogers (Vipers SC, Uganda), Mukundane Hilary (Vipers SC, Uganda), Kayondo Aziizi (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Rep.), Achayi Herbert (KCCA FC, Uganda), Awany Timothy (FC Ashdod, Israel) and Aliro Moses (URA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders; Semakula Kenneth (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia), Aucho Khalid (Singida Black Stars Sc, Tanzania), Oyirwoth Allan (New England Revolution FC, USA), Al Hassan Baba (Fotbal Club FCSB, Romania) and Byaruhanga Bobosi (Oakland Roots Sc, USA)
Forwards;
Okello Allan (Vipers SC, Uganda), Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong UTD FC, Thailand), Mutyaba Travis (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Mpande Joseph (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Mato Rogers (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Mpande Reagan (SC Villa, Uganda), Ssemugabi Jude (Jamus FC, S.Sudan), Ikpeazu Uchechukwu (St Johnstone FC, Scotland), Mukwala Steven (Simba SC, Tanzania) and Kwikiriza Shafik (KCCA FC, Uganda)
