The Uganda Cranes have hit full strength ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the entire 26-man squad now in camp at Avani Resort Hotel, Gaborone, Botswana.
The final arrivals forwards Rogers Mato and Travis Mutyaba — joined the team on Tuesday evening, injecting energy and optimism into a camp already brimming with focus.
Mato’s inclusion provides a timely boost. The FK Vardar (North Macedonia) winger has been in red-hot form this season, leading the league’s scoring charts with eight goals. His pace and sharp finishing make him one of coach Paul Put’s key attacking weapons. He also scored twice in Uganda’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique during the previous international window, reaffirming his growing importance to the national side.
Mutyaba, meanwhile, arrives fresh from a promising start to life at CS Sfaxien (Tunisia). The creative forward has quickly adapted to North African football and is expected to add flair and movement in Uganda’s attacking transitions.
With every player now accounted for, coach Put and his technical team have intensified tactical preparations, emphasizing compact defending and quick attacking transitions. The team is training under high spirits as they gear up for Thursday’s clash with Botswana in Francistown — a must-win tie that could define their qualification hopes.
Uganda sits second in Group G with 15 points, trailing leaders Algeria by four, with Mozambique, Somalia, Botswana, and Guinea completing the group. A win against Botswana would set up a dramatic final showdown away to Algeria on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
The Cranes will make the short flight from Gaborone to Francistown on Wednesday afternoon. Team sources describe the mood in camp as “focused and united,” with senior players rallying the squad to believe in a strong finish.
Uganda’s resurgence under Paul Put has been marked by tactical discipline and renewed self-belief — and with every player now on board, the Cranes look ready to make one final charge in their World Cup dream.
Uganda Cranes squad in Botswana
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders
Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Forwards
Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda),Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
