The five players with previous AFCON exposure in Uganda’s squad

As the Uganda Cranes gear up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the spotlight is on the handful of players carrying previous experience at the competition.

The Captain!@aucho_khalid08 pic.twitter.com/0a0rLYoCIn

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) September 2, 2025

Head coach Paul Put unveiled a 28-man squad on Wednesday and only five members have ever represented the nation at the continental showpiece.

Leading the group of seasoned campaigners is legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who featured in both the 2017 and 2019 editions. Onyango was also the skipper when the Cranes reached the Round of 16 in 2019, providing a steady influence at the back.

Joining him is current captain Khalid Aucho, a midfield anchor with prior tournament exposure in 2017 and 2019 as well as defender Isaac Muleme (2019), whose presence adds experience to the backline.

Goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola returns after featuring in the 2017 and 2019 squads while defender Timothy Denis Awany rounds out the experienced contingent, having been part of the 2017 (Gabon) and 2019 (Egypt) tournament during Sebastien Desabre’s reign.

Tracking the left fullback-Isaac Muleme
Uganda Cranes in Morocco #AFCONPreparations pic.twitter.com/rFYX8XW0tq

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) December 9, 2025

The rest of the squad—23 players in total, could make their tournament debut in Morocco.

Big names like Allan Okello, Rogers Mato, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Reagan Mpande, and Bobosi Byaruhanga will all be seeking to make their mark on Africa’s biggest stage.

Others, including youngster James Bogere, Lorenzen Melvyn, Denis Omedi, Travis Mutyaba, Baba Al Hassan, Ronald Ssekiganda, Elio Capradossi, Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, and Hilary Mukundane, will also step onto the continental stage for the first time.

Full Uganda AFCON squad

Goalkeepers

Denis Onyango, Alionzi Nafian Legason, Salim Magoola

Defenders

Rogers Torach, Timothy Awanyi, Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita, Isaac Muleme, Aziz Kayondo, Hilary Mukundane

Midfielders

Bobosi Byaruhanga, Khalid Aucho, Travis Mutyaba, Baba Al Hassan, Ronald Ssekiganda, Allan Okello

Forwards

Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, Steven Mukwala, Denis Omedi, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi, James Bogere, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Lorenzen Melvyn, Ivan Ahimbisibwe

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