With the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gathering pace, Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put has named an ambitious 28-man provisional squad for next month’s high-profile international friendlies in Marrakech, Morocco, setting the stage for what could be a defining chapter in Uganda’s football resurgence. The Cranes will lock horns with Tanzania on 5 June before facing Madagascar three days later as preparations intensify for the 2027 AFCON finals that will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Put’s selection reflects both ambition and evolution — blending battle-tested internationals with a wave of emerging talent drawn from leagues across Uganda, Africa, Europe and the United States. From established names such as Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala and Bobosi Byaruhanga to promising local stars earning their first major opportunity, the Belgian tactician is clearly shaping a squad designed not just to compete, but to evolve ahead of the demanding AFCON qualifying campaign.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, Put underlined the strategic importance of the Morocco camp, insisting the friendlies will offer a critical measure of the team’s readiness before qualifiers begin later this year. “These are important games for us to understand where we stand as a team. AFCON qualifiers arrive quickly in September, October and November, so every moment of preparation matters,” he said, while also emphasizing his desire to reward outstanding performers from the domestic league with opportunities on the international stage.
The coach also revealed that injury setbacks influenced several key decisions. Defenders Toby Sibbick and Elio Capradossi remain unavailable through fitness concerns, while Nafian Alionzi and Jude Ssemugabi continue rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Uche Ikpeazu misses out after limited activity following the early conclusion of his club season.
The provisional squad features a broad spectrum of talent including Hannington Ssebwalunyo, David Lukwago, Joel Mutakubwa, Herbert Bockhorn, Nathan Asiimwe, Raymon Barasa Mangoli, Jordan Obita, Geoffrey Lubanga Kene, Hilary Mukundane, Aziz Kayondo, Herbert Achayi, Joseph Seremba, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Alhassan Baba, Travis Mutyaba, Abdu Karim Watambala, Allan Okello, James Bogere, Rogers Mato, Sammy Ssebadduka, Hassan Mubiru, Steven Mukwala, Frank Ssebufu, Allan Oyirwoth, Richard Basangwa, Noble Okello, Arafat Usama Kiza and Ivan Ahimbisibwe — a group now entrusted with carrying Uganda’s ambitions into a new era as the nation prepares to host Africa’s biggest football spectacle on home soil.
