The Uganda Cranes have ramped up preparations in Gaborone, Botswana, as they enter the final stretch of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
With decisive fixtures against Botswana and Algeria coming up, the team is going all in to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Ten foreign-based players have joined the camp to boost the locally assembled squad. Among them are Captain Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Mukwala, Toby Sibbick, Kenneth Semakula, Jordan Obita, Uche Ikpeazu, Elio Capradossi, Nafian Alionzi, and Abdu Aziizi Kayondo.
The locally based contingent features Allan Okello, Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Enock Ssebagala, Gavin Kizito, and Herbert Achayi. This mix of homegrown players and international professionals is designed to balance youthful energy with much-needed experience and leadership.
Uganda faces Botswana on Thursday, October 9, at Francistown Stadium before traveling to Algeria for their final group game on Tuesday, October 14, at Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium.
The Cranes currently sit second in Group G, four points behind leaders Algeria.
Only two victories will give Uganda a shot at making history, while Algeria needs just one win to book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The full squad features a solid core of goalkeepers Denis Onyango, Salim Magoola, and Nafian Alionzi; a versatile defense marshaled by Elio Capradossi and Toby Sibbick; midfield stability through Aucho, Semakula, and Byaruhanga; and a lively attack led by Mukwala, Okello, and Ikpeazu.
With two must-win games on the horizon, the Cranes know what’s at stake.
