فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Casablanca – Agencies
The Ugandan national football team, known as “The Cranes,” returns to the Africa Cup of Nations competitions after a six-year absence since their last participation in the 2019 Egyptian edition, where they reached the Round of 16. Belgian coach Paul Put has revealed a preliminary squad of 30 players, which will be reduced to 28 in accordance with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, in preparation for participation in the tournament hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The Ugandan national team arrived in Casablanca on Sunday, December 7, to begin an eleven-day training camp, which includes two friendly matches, before announcing the final squad. Put explained in his statements: “We have chosen a mix of experience and youth to provide balance and competitiveness to the team,” emphasizing the importance of a strong defensive structure to face the difficult Group C, which includes Morocco (the host), Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
A Mix of Experience and Promising Youth
The team relies on the return of veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango (38 years old), star of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who will lead the defensive line alongside Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), and David Owori, captain of Uganda’s SC Villa. The midfield is led by Khalid Aucho as a pivotal player, supported by Bevis Mugabi and Bobosi Byaruhanga.
In the attacking line, striker Rogers Mato stands out, having scored 15 goals in 17 matches with North Macedonia’s FK Vardar, alongside Melvyn Lorenzen and Allan Okello to add depth, in addition to young James Bugiri (18 years old), star of the recent Under-17 World Cup, who receives his first call-up to the senior national team.
A Major Challenge Against Continental Giants
The Ugandans will begin their campaign on December 23 against Tunisia, then face Nigeria and Tanzania, in a group considered one of the most competitive in the tournament. Put said: “We are aware that the task is difficult, but we have players capable of competing and causing surprises.” The team hopes to disrupt this group, benefiting from logistical support in Morocco as the host country.
With this 30-man squad, the Ugandan national team expresses its ambitions in a tournament that represents an opportunity to rewrite history, as it seeks to surpass its previous performance and achieve an accomplishment worthy of its development under Put’s leadership since 2023.
