Denis Onyango has made a sensational comeback to the Uganda Cranes, four years after announcing his retirement from international football.
The 39-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was on Thursday named in Paul Put’s 28-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Onyango, who last featured for the Cranes in 2021, is widely regarded as Uganda’s greatest-ever goalkeeper.
Since making his debut against Cape Verde in 2005, he earned 79 caps, led Uganda at the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and in 2016 was crowned Africa’s Best Player based in Africa. His return is seen as a major boost as Uganda eyes qualification for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Also returning to the fold is goalkeeper Salim Jamal Omar Magoola, who last played for Uganda in 2023. The squad, however, will be without Isima Watenga, sidelined by injury, while captain Khalid Aucho has been left out.
Put’s squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent, with 11 players from the CHAN 2024 team making the cut, including Allan Okello, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Jude Ssemugabi, Reagan Mpande, and Joel Mutakubwa. Foreign-based forwards Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam) and Ikpeazu Uchechukwu (St Johnstone FC, Scotland) are also among the key inclusions.
Uganda will open their campaign against Mozambique on Friday, September 5, before facing Somalia on Monday, September 8, both matches at Namboole.
Onyango’s return has already stirred talk among Cranes supporters, with many hoping his presence between the posts can reignite the team’s push for a maiden World Cup appearance.
