Veteran Midfielder Taddeo Lwanga and forward Derrick Nsibambi are back in the Uganda Cranes squad ahead of Uganda’s double header against South Sudan in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers.
The two players have been named in Uganda Cranes’ coach Paul Put’s 27-man squad that will face South Sudan at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on October 11 before travelling for the return fixture at Juba Stadium on October 15.
Lwanga, who plies his trade for Rwandan champions APR FC, brings a wealth of experience to the midfield.
His consistent performances in the Rwanda Premier League have caught the eye of Put, earning him a recall to the national team setup.
Nsibambi also makes a comeback after a lengthy absence. The KCCA striker’s recent form has impressed the Belgian coach, who will be looking to bolster Uganda’s attacking options for the double-header.
Another notable inclusion is young defender Gavin Kizito, who returns to the squad following his recent move to KCCA, for which he shined against Kitara last Friday.
Put has also rewarded the promising Shafik Kwikiriza with a call-up, acknowledging the youngster’s impressive start to his KCCA career since joining from BUL last season.
Notably, striker Muhammad Shaban, who plays for Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi misses out of the squad due to injury.
The Cranes are currently atop Group K, tied with South Africa on four points, following a 2-2 draw against the Southern African side and a 2-0 home win against Congo.
The group also includes Congo, who have three points, while South Sudan is yet to pick up a point.
The team is set to enter a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel on October 6 as they prepare for the crucial qualifiers.
Uganda will aim to strengthen its position in Group K, with the top two teams set to qualify for AFCON 2025.
Two wins for Uganda in the doubleheader will guarantee them a spot in the tournament that will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Uganda Cranes squad to face South Sudan:
Goalkeepers:
– Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)
– Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
– Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa)
Defenders:
– Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda)
– Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)
– Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic)
– Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda)
– Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
– Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece)
– Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel)
– Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia)
– Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)
Midfielders:
– Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania)
– Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA)
– Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda)
– Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda)
– Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
– Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France)
– Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Forwards:
– Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda)
– Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda)
– Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)
– Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica)
– Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
– Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania)
– Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)
