2026 World Cup Qualifiers: 40-year-old Denis Onyango delighted to return to Uganda squad for Mozambique clash

Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has expressed delight after making a surprise return to the Ugandan national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 40-year-old, who retired from international football in 2021, has been recalled to coach Paul Put’s 28-man squad for the upcoming Group G clashes against Mozambique on Friday, September 5, and Somalia on Monday, September 8.

Onyango, who captained Uganda before stepping away at the age of 36, said he felt compelled to answer the call as the Cranes push to revive their qualification hopes.

Uganda currently sits six points behind group leaders Algeria.

“This is round two for me, and I’m happy to be back,” Onyango told Pan Africa Football. “When the call-up came, I shared the news with my Sundowns teammates, and they were excited because they knew I had retired. Some even wanted to see me return for one last time. It’s an incredible honour.”

Despite his status as one of Africa’s most accomplished goalkeepers, the CAF Champions League winner insists his selection does not guarantee a starting berth.

“There are no guarantees that I will start. The position is open, and whoever is ready and performs best will play,” he said. “At the end of the day, we all want to see the national team win.”

Onyango, who has been with Sundowns since 2011, added that his return is also about striking the right balance between experience and youth in the squad.

“Every team needs both senior players and young talent. The young ones bring energy, while the senior players provide calmness in pressure moments. We must share ideas, work together, and fight for good results,” he said.