Onyango signals second international retirement after AFCON 2025

Uganda Cranes legend Denis Masinde Onyango has hinted that his return to international football may not stretch as far as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, despite the tournament being co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The veteran goalkeeper, who briefly came out of international retirement in August to bolster the Cranes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, has suggested that his future with the national team is more likely to shift off the pitch rather than between the posts.

Speaking after Uganda’s early exit from the 2025 AFCON finals, Onyango admitted that time is no longer on his side as a player.

“2027 is very far for me,” Onyango was quoted by Kawowo Sports. “Maybe I can be there as a technical member, but in terms of playing, I don’t see myself making it to 2027.”

Uganda bowed out of the continental showpiece at the group stage, managing just one point in Group C. However, Onyango believes the campaign, though disappointing, offered valuable lessons for a team that had been away from the AFCON stage for several years.

“It was a very good experience for the boys,” he noted. “After a couple of years without being at the tournament, we hoped for better results, but it wasn’t meant to be. I think we lacked something, and I hope we use this experience when we host the next one at home. It’s very important for us to improve.”

At 40 years old, Onyango featured prominently during the tournament, starting against Tanzania and playing 45 minutes against Nigeria before being forced off through injury.

His replacement, Salim Jamal Magoola, endured a difficult cameo, lasting just 11 minutes before seeing red for handling the ball outside the penalty area.

Uganda finished bottom of the group with one point, as Nigeria topped Group C with nine points, followed by Tunisia with four and Tanzania with two. All three of the Cranes’ opponents progressed to the round of 16.

While Onyango’s playing future with the national team appears uncertain, his words suggest his influence on Ugandan football may continue just in a different role.

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