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CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda name 29-man CHAN squad as Onyango joins technical team
Published: Wednesday, 09 July 2025 Uganda's technical team has reduced its CHAN 2024 squad to 29 players, with co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza narrowing down their options ahead of the continental showpiece in August. The announcement follows an intensive training session held at the Prisons Ground in Luzira, as the Cranes ramp up preparations for their seventh appearance in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from 2–30 August 2025. Former Cranes captain Denis Onyango has temporarily joined the technical bench to assist with goalkeeping duties during the squad's camp. The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper, back home on offseason break, is expected to provide vital mentorship to Uganda's four goalkeepers in camp—Joel Mutakubwa, Crispas Kusiima, Denis Kiggundu, and Hannington Sebwalunyo. This trimmed squad is not final but represents a key phase in selection, with the coaching duo set to announce the final 23-man list before the tournament kickoff. The dropped players include Vipers SC captain Milton Karisa, who hasn't recovered from injury, as well as Paul Mucureezi, Enock Walusimbi, Emmanuel Wasswa, and David Owori. Despite the exclusions, the group still retains key figures such as Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Patrick Kakande, Jude Ssemugabi, and Gavin Kizito, who are expected to play major roles if selected for the final tournament squad. Uganda, drawn in Group C, face a stern test with Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa all in the same pool. The Cranes open their campaign against Algeria on 4 August at Namboole Stadium. Having never advanced beyond the group stage in six previous attempts, Uganda will be hoping home advantage and a well-prepared squad help them rewrite the history books. Uganda Cranes – CHAN 2024 Trimmed 29-Man Squad: Goalkeepers Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC) Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC) Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC) Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC) Defenders Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC) Lazaro Bwambale (KCCA FC) Herbert Achayi (Express FC) Gideon Odong (NEC FC) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC) Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC) Arnold Odongo (SC Villa) Ronald Otti (Kitara FC) Midfielders Shamir Kimwero (NEC FC) Marvin Youngman (Vipers SC) Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC) Elvis Ngondwe (SC Villa) Allan Okello (Vipers SC) Patrick Kakande (SC Villa) Jerome Kirya (BUL FC) Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC) Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC) Forwards Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC) Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC) Usama Arafat (KCCA FC) Shafik Nana Kiwikiriza (KCCA FC) Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC) Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC) Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
CAF
01-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda coach Byekwaso eyes historic CHAN breakthrough at home
Uganda co-coach Morley Byekwaso says their tough group for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) is an opportunity to change the national team's narrative in the competition. Grouped alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger in what many observers have dubbed one of the tournament's most competitive pools, Byekwaso is rallying his side to aim higher than ever before. 'Our group is tight, no doubt,' he acknowledged. 'But with focused preparation and the energy of playing at home, we believe it's possible to break past the group stage barrier for the first time.' Uganda has never advanced beyond the group stage in its previous CHAN campaigns, but the 2024 edition presents a golden opportunity. With the tournament co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from August 2 to 28, the Cranes will enjoy the unique advantage of playing in familiar territory, backed by passionate home support. Uganda's campaign begins with a daunting opener against Algeria on 4 August at the iconic Namboole Stadium. Byekwaso has made it clear that the tone must be set from the first whistle. 'That first game is crucial,' he stressed. 'It's not just about tactics; it's about mindset. The players must realise the chance they have—not just to compete, but to inspire.' Byekwaso, who shares the technical reins with Vipers SC coach Fred Muhumuza under the oversight of head coach Paul Put, has already begun drilling his squad with discipline and tactical precision. The team resumed training this week at Luzira Prison Grounds after a brief rest, sharpening their focus ahead of their home campaign. The technical team's goal is clear—build a disciplined, cohesive squad with a fighting spirit strong enough to challenge Africa's best. The fact that this CHAN will be held on home soil only intensifies the drive to finally make it out of the group stages. 'It's time we stop being content with participation,' Byekwaso insisted. 'We are building a team that believes in progression, not just presence.' With preparations in full swing and belief quietly growing, the Uganda Cranes are eyeing more than just a respectable showing. They want to make history.
