AFCON: Uganda keeper Denis Onyango reveals role in Morocco

Uganda national team goalkeeper Denis Onyango has explained his role in Morocco where the Cranes are currently taking part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The East African nation kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Tunisia at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah.

Onyango, who plays for South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Mamelodi Sundowns, returned to the AFCON squad after his decision to reverse retirement from international duty. The 40-year-old had announced his international retirement after Uganda failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

However, after four years in retirement, Onyango returned to the national team in August 2025 as they prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia.

‘I want to motivate the young players’

“I want to help the team progress to the next stage because I understand what it takes at this level. I want to motivate the young players and help them understand what it truly means to represent the country at AFCON,” Onyango told CAFOnline.com when asked what role he saw himself playing beyond the pitch.

“This tournament can be life-changing. There are scouts watching, opportunities opening up, and careers can take a new direction. I also see myself as a bridge between the technical bench and the players, and as support for captain Khalid Aucho, allowing him to focus more on his performances on the pitch.

“For the goalkeepers, my role is simple: push everyone to be ready when their moment comes.”

During the opener, Onyango was benched. Asked the competition between the goalkeepers in Cranes squad, he responded: “Competition is healthy and there is a lot of competition in the team. The two young goalkeepers are very talented, and as we say, iron sharpens iron. We push each other, and whoever gets the opportunity must be ready to perform.

“I still want to improve every day. Working hard, staying humble and motivating others gives me great satisfaction. That is what keeps me driven.”

Asked to differentiate the difference AFCON’s, Onyango responded: “Every tournament is different. From my debut AFCON in Gabon to Egypt 2019 and now Morocco 2025, each one comes with its own story and challenges. Morocco already feels special. The facilities are top class and everything is well organised.

“For me, the focus is on enjoying the experience and contributing to what I believe can be a special journey with the Uganda Cranes.”

Uganda will return to action against neighbours Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium on Friday.

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