Legendary goalkeeper and former captain Denis Onyango has been recalled to the Uganda Cranes for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia.
This marks a significant return for the 39-year-old, who announced his retirement from international football on April 12, 2021, after Uganda failed to qualify for a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a decisive loss to Malawi.
Head coach Paul Put confirmed Onyango’s recall, praising his discipline, maturity, and influence:
“I had an opportunity in the CHAN to meet Denis, who has been helping us with goalkeepers. He is a very important player for Uganda, very disciplined and has a lot of maturity. We agreed he should come back and represent his country—he has shown the heart for Uganda,” Put stated.
Onyango, who earned 83 caps for Uganda, captained the national team to two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017 and 2019. He is widely regarded as Uganda’s greatest goalkeeper of the modern era. His return comes at a critical time, with the Cranes currently sitting fourth in Group G with nine points.
Khalid Aucho Excluded
While welcoming Onyango back, Coach Put confirmed the absence of experienced midfielder Khalid Aucho from the 28-man squad due to fitness issues.
“He has no physical ability even if you train every day. To regain fitness, you need competition and friendly games. It is very important for our team, so let’s hope that we can have him in October,” Put explained.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
-
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
-
Salim Magoola (Richards Bay, South Africa)
-
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia)
-
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)
Defenders:
-
Elvis Bwomono (IBV, Iceland)
-
Herbert Bockhorn (Magdeburg, Germany)
-
Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania)
-
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
-
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England)
-
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
-
Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland)
-
Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
-
Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC)
-
Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC)
(Midfielders and forwards list to follow if needed.)
