World Cup (Q): Uganda Cranes boosted with arrival of foreign-based stars

The Uganda Cranes’ preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header have gained momentum with the arrival of ten foreign-based players at the team’s camp in Gaborone, Botswana.

The foreign contingent includes Bobosi Byaruhanga, Nafian Alionzi, Kenneth Semakula, captain Khalid Aucho, Steven Mukwala, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, Elio Capradosi, and Abdu Aziizi Kayondo. The remaining players are expected to link up with the team later in the evening.

Locally based stars already in camp include Allan Okello, Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Enock Ssebagala, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, and Herbert Achayi, all eager to impress and compete for starting spots.

The Cranes will face Botswana on Thursday, 9th October, in Francistown before traveling to face Algeria on Tuesday, 14th October, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.

Still in contention for a historic World Cup berth, the team must secure maximum points from both fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive. Algeria, who top Group G with 19 points—four ahead of Uganda—need just one more win to confirm their spot at next year’s tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Uganda Cranes squad for October World Cup qualifiers

Goalkeepers

Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders

Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC)

Midfielders

Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards

Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus, South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania)