Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put has announced a 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.The team is set to face South Africa and Congo in crucial matches scheduled for early September.The Cranes will depart for South Africa on August 31 to begin preparations for their first qualifier against Bafana Bafana, which will take place on September 6 at Orlando Stadium.Following this, Uganda will host Congo at the Mandela National Stadium on September 9.In his squad announcement, Coach Put disclosed that defenders Kenneth Semakula and Halidi Lwaliwa would miss the South Africa game due to visa complications.However, both players will be available for the home fixture against Congo.The coach also revealed that several key players are sidelined due to injuries. These include Allan Kyambadde, Moses Opondo, Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu, and Isaac Ssewankambo, whose absence will be felt as the Cranes aim to secure a strong start in Group K, where they are grouped alongside South Africa, Congo, and South Sudan.FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein confirmed that tickets for Uganda’s home games against Congo, South Sudan, and South Africa will go on sale starting Wednesday.Goalkeepers:Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa)Defenders:Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland)James Begisa (URA FC, Uganda)Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic)Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Sloven Liberec, Czech Republic)Joseph Ochaya (Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC, Egypt)Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece)Elio Capradossi (Unattached)Halid Lwaliwa (Al Ain, Saudi Arabia)Arnold Odongo (SC Villa, Uganda)Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel)Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)Midfielders:Khalid Aucho (Yanga Africans, Tanzania)Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II FC, USA)Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda)Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda)Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt)Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)Forwards:Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda)Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda)Joackiam Ojera (Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC, Uganda)Muhammad Shaban (Al Hilal Benghazi, Libya)Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania)Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica, North Macedonia)The squad reflects a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with a significant number of players plying their trade abroad.Uganda Cranes fans will be hopeful that this combination can deliver positive results as the team embarks on their journey to qualify for AFCON 2025.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/cranes-coach-paul-put-announces-squad-for-2025-afcon-qualifiers/
