All eyes on Onyango as Uganda Cranes host Mozambique at Namboole

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Group G

Today at Namboole

Somalia v Guinea 3pm

Uganda v Mozambique 7pm

Uganda Cranes fans going to Mandela National Stadium Namboole today for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mozambique will have their eyes on one player, former captain and legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango who shocked many when he came out of a four-year retirement to rejoin the team.

Cranes head coach Paul Put, while addressing the media on Thursday at Namboole about today’s match, declined to confirm whether Onyango would start but emphasised the importance of the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper in his plans for both the World Cup campaign and the upcoming AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco scheduled for December.

“Denis has a big value, he has been playing well, we need him for the future and the present to guide, bring discipline to the squad, and motivation mostly to the young goalkeepers. What I did in other countries, key players from the national team, I do not drop them even if I have not worked with them. I always try to bring them on board because they add value. Therefore, we have to focus and have a vision, not short term but long term. This is one of the long-term even with his age,” explained Put.

“Whether he will start or not, you will see tomorrow when the lineup comes out,” he added with a smile.

Onyango is one of the goalkeepers in camp, these are Salim Jamal, Alionzi Nafian, and Joel Mutakubwa. Should the Belgian tactician opt against starting Onyango, Jamal who is also making a return after two years out is the likeliest option. Jamal, currently at South Africa’s Richards Bay FC where he had done well since joining them and has for long been viewed as Onyango’s natural successor.

Put’s squad is a blend of youth and experience. He stressed that his approach is to strike a balance between the two.

“We are preparing for the World Cup qualifiers but at the same time planning for AFCON 2025, So if I do not call players, then I cannot see them. I call the players to see their mentality, character, strength and what each can offer. I cannot do all that by telephone or email. I have to do that by facing them, that is why I call everyone to see what they can add to the team,” he explained.

Some of the senior players in the squad include captain Khalid Aucho, Ikpeazu Mubiru, Jordan Obita, Joseph Mpande, Ellio Capradossi, and Onyango himself.

Among the fresh faces, Put highlighted Ikpeazu Mubiru, the St Johnstone striker who is likely to make his debut today.

"It is not easy to convince players to come and play for the national team, so, I spoke to him and he welcomed the invitation, he actually should have come for previous matches but has been disturbed by injuries. If you see, all our strikers are the same type, Ikpeazu will go us something different and I believe he will add value, he is Ugandan, wants to play and has the experience," he explained.

Turning his focus to the opposition, Put admitted the team is motivated by revenge after losing 3-1 to Mozambique in the reverse fixture. Pepo Santos scored a brace and Stanley Ratifo added the other goal for Mozambique while Muhamad Shaban scored Uganda’s consolation.

“We know what went wrong, which was individual mistakes. But we have prepared well, and I do not expect that to happen again. We are playing at home in front of our people which gives us confidence. Our fans should expect a good game and a good result,” he assured.

Cranes captain Khalid Aucho also echoed his coach’s optimism.

“We are ready and injury-free. We just ask our fans to come as always. We promise them a good performance and a positive result,” Aucho said.

Uganda is currently fourth in Group G with nine points, three behind Mozambique in second place. Leaders Algeria have 15 points, though they were scheduled to play Botswana last night. A win for Uganda today would put them level with Mozambique and revive their chances of challenging for qualification. Only the group winner will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Probable Lineup

Denis Onyango (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Aziz Kayondo, Ellio Capradossi, Rogers Torach, Joel Sserunjogi, Abdulkarim Watambala, Khalid Aucho, Allan Okello, Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi.