Striker Muhammad Shaban has earned a recall to the Uganda Cranes as head coach Paul Put unveiled a 26-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea.
Put announced the squad on Monday, March 10, at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) headquarters in Mengo, setting the stage for Uganda’s crucial fixtures later this month.
The Cranes will take on Mozambique on March 20 at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt before hosting Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on March 25.
Shaban, currently plying his trade at Libyan club Al Anwar Al Abyar SC, returns to the national setup after an injury setback in his last appearance on September 9, 2024, during Uganda’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Congo Brazzaville at Namboole.
He started that game but was forced off before halftime, with Jude Ssemugabi replacing him.
His inclusion comes as no surprise, given his previous impact in the World Cup qualifiers. The forward was Uganda’s match-winner in their 1-0 victory over Botswana at Namboole, finishing off a Denis Omedi assist.
Uganda finds itself in a tight race for qualification, sitting fifth in Group G with six points, level with Botswana and Guinea.
Algeria leads the standings with nine points, making the upcoming matches crucial for the Cranes’ bid to reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
Only the group winners will secure an automatic place at the tournament set to be held in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
The four best runners-up from across all groups will enter a mini-tournament, with the winner advancing to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-offs.
Shaban is among eight forwards named in the squad, joining Denis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuka, both of APR, as well as Kitara’s Jude Ssemugabi.
Also included are Rogers Mato, who plays for FK Vardar, Steven Mukwala from Simba SC, SC Villa’s Patrick Kakande and Swedish-based forward Calvin Kabuye of Mjällby AIF.
Other notable inclusions in the squad include Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick.
