Uganda Cranes fans will once again see a familiar face between the posts after legendary goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango was recalled to the national team, four years after hanging up his gloves on the international stage.
The Mamelodi Sundowns custodian is among the 28 players summoned by head coach Paul Put for the crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia, slated for 5th and 8th September in Kampala. Uganda currently sits fourth in Group G with nine points.
Onyango, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers of his generation, famously guided the Cranes to back-to-back AFCON appearances in 2017 and 2019 and was crowned Africa’s Best Player (based in Africa) in 2016. His return comes at a time when the team has been struggling for stability in goal, with first-choice keeper Isma Watenga ruled out by injury.
Other Returnees and Fresh Faces
Salim Jamal Magoola, absent from the squad since 2023, also rejoins the fold, while overseas-based stars Joseph Mpande and Ikpeazu Uchechukwu have been included. Uchechukwu, however, has previously failed to honor earlier call-ups, making his availability this time a point of interest.
The squad also features 11 players who impressed during CHAN 2024, among them Reagan Mpande and Herbert Achayi, both earning their maiden senior call-ups.
With Onyango back, Uganda now boasts experience and leadership heading into the qualifiers—and possibly a push towards AFCON 2025 in Morocco later this year.
