Goalkeeper battle heats up as Uganda Cranes step up CHAN preparations

Africa Nations Championships (CHAN)2024

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

August 2-30

As the Uganda Cranes intensify preparations for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals, fierce competition has emerged among four goalkeepers vying for a spot in the final 25-man squad.

Joel Mutakubwa, Denis Kiggundu, Hanington Ssebwalunyo, and Chrispus Kusiima are all battling for the three available slots between the posts.

Speaking to Vision Sport on Friday, BUL FC shot-stopper Joel Mutakubwa described the goalkeeping contest as “intense but healthy,” crediting it with raising performance levels across the camp.

“It’s a favourable competition, and I believe the coaches have a tough decision to make,” said Mutakubwa. “The mood in camp is excellent. Everyone is working hard to impress.”

This week, the team received a significant boost with the arrival of former Uganda Cranes captain and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Denis Onyango. The veteran goalkeeper joined the coaching setup, spending time mentoring the current group and sharing his vast international experience.

“He’s been incredibly helpful,” Mutakubwa added. “We’re learning a lot from him. Training alongside someone who’s played at the highest level is inspiring—it’s making us better goalkeepers.”

Looking ahead, Mutakubwa urged Ugandans to throw their full support behind the team as they aim to reach the CHAN knockout stages for the first time.

“Our target is to go past the group stage, something Uganda has never achieved. Playing at home gives us an advantage, and we call on fans to fill Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and stand with us.”

The Cranes are currently based in a residential camp with a 29-man provisional squad, led by co-coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza, and overseen by senior head coach Paul Put.

Uganda is one of three co-hosts for this year’s CHAN tournament, along with Kenya and Tanzania, in what also serves as a rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the trio will jointly host.

Uganda has been placed in Group C alongside South Africa, Guinea, Niger, and Algeria, with all group fixtures set to be played at Namboole Stadium.

The tournament kicks off on August 2 in Dar es Salaam, with hosts Tanzania facing Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Additional host cities include Nairobi (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Kampala (Uganda).

Group A features Morocco, Kenya, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia. Group B includes Tanzania, Mauritania, Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Burkina Faso. Group D houses defending champions Senegal, alongside Sudan, Congo, and Nigeria. According to CAF, the third-place playoff will take place at Namboole, while the final will be played at Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.