AFCON 2025: Uganda Cranes Squad and Coach Paul Put’s Game Plan

The Uganda Cranes squad, under the leadership of Head Coach Paul Put, stands on the brink of an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 berth. With two final qualifiers approaching, the Cranes are just one point away from securing their place in Morocco. On November 15, Uganda faces South Africa at Namboole Stadium, followed by a clash against Congo on November 19. A single point from either match will guarantee Uganda’s return to AFCON for the first time since 2019, generating immense anticipation and pride within Ugandan football.

Coach Paul Put’s Strategic Choices

Paul Put, known for his calculated and player-centric strategies, made several significant adjustments to his lineup. The selection includes four new faces: John Paul Dembe, a promising U-20 striker playing for BK Hacken in Sweden; Hakim Kiwanuka, an in-form forward from SC Villa; experienced defender Geoffrey Wasswa of Ethiopia’s Coffee FC; and KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa. Mugolofa’s inclusion has raised the total to four goalkeepers, a decision influenced by Uganda’s upcoming participation in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place in 2025 and co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

“We added the fourth goalkeeper, who is locally based, with CHAN in mind,” explained Coach Put at FUFA headquarters. By involving Mugolofa in the AFCON setup, Put aims to bolster Uganda’s goalkeeper options and facilitate development and cohesion with the national squad. For the trip to Congo, however, the coach confirmed that the squad would revert to its usual three-goalkeeper roster.

Key Squad Additions and Omissions

As the final AFCON qualifiers approach, the Cranes squad also features notable omissions. The absence of SC Villa’s Arnold Odong, Italy-based defender Elio Capradossi, Bul FC’s Nicholas Mwere, and KCCA striker Derrick Nsibambi marks a shift towards a fresher lineup, focused on both youth and experience. Uganda’s top-of-the-table standing in Group K, leading by two points over South Africa, means the Cranes can aim for a controlled, strategic approach in their upcoming fixtures.

Uganda’s Current Position in Group K

The Cranes have shown impressive form, leading Group K with 10 points after four matches, just ahead of South Africa, who are on 8 points. Showcasing their strength and determination, Uganda struggled for a 2-2 draw against South Africa in their opening game in September. Coach Paul Put and his squad are now more concerned in ensuring a result at home to guarantee qualification before their final match, given the increased stakes.

Upcoming Group K Fixtures

The remaining games will determine who qualifies for AFCON 2025 from Group K. Here are the final fixtures:

• November 15: South Sudan vs. Congo
• November 15: Uganda vs. South Africa
• November 19: South Africa vs. South Sudan
• November 19: Congo vs. Uganda

Group K Standings

Key Changes in the Squad

Paul Put, the head coach of Uganda Cranes squad, has changed the 27-man team for these important games in various significant ways. Four players were included to the lineup while others were left out to represent strategic considerations taken by Put to improve the team.

New Faces

• John Paul Dembe (Forward) – A promising U-20 striker who plays for BK Hacken in Sweden.
• Hakim Kiwanuka (Forward) – SC Villa’s in-form player.
• Geoffrey Wasswa (Defender) – Currently with Ethiopian Coffee.
• Mutwalibi Mugolofa (Goalkeeper) – An addition from KCCA, increasing the squad’s goalkeeping depth.

Coach Put explained the inclusion of a fourth goalkeeper, Mugolofa, is part of the Cranes’ preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025, as Uganda co-hosts the event alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

“We added the fourth goalkeeper, who is locally based, with CHAN in mind. This allows him to work with the squad and learn from them,” said Coach Put. “But for the trip to Congo, we’ll travel with three goalkeepers.”

Tactical Preparations and Key Players

As the Uganda Cranes enter their final stages of preparation, the team’s performance in the domestic and international leagues is under close watch. Notable players expected to make a difference include:

• Ismail Watenga (Goalkeeper) – Based in South Africa with Golden Arrows, brings experience and skill.
• Khalid Aucho (Midfielder) – Playing for Yanga SC in Tanzania, known for his solid midfield control.
• Denis Omedi (Forward) – A rising star from Kitara FC, expected to add attacking prowess.

The team will assemble at Cranes Paradise in Kisasi, with foreign-based players joining as they arrive in the country. Uganda’s objective will be clear: to clinch the qualifying point on home turf before the challenging away fixture in Brazzaville.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick, Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa,Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

High Hopes and Expectations for Uganda Cranes

Entering these AFCON qualifiers with momentum and determination, the Uganda Cranes squad are ready for a historic event. The November 15th duel at Namboole is much awaited by fans who want to see the Cranes confirm their ticket to Morocco. With strategic player selections, including fresh talents, Coach Put’s squad is focused on giving Ugandans a reason to celebrate as they aim for their first AFCON appearance since 2019.