Uganda coach Paul Put names squad for Botswana AFCON qualifiers

Uganda head coach Paul Put has named a 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming double-header against Botswana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with veteran midfielder Khalid Aucho included for a special farewell appearance on home soil.

The Cranes will face Botswana in November as they continue their push for qualification to the continental showpiece, having made a positive start to their Group H campaign. Uganda currently lead the group with four points and will be determined to strengthen their position with maximum points from the two encounters.

The inclusion of Aucho adds an emotional dimension to the squad announcement, with the experienced midfielder set to receive an opportunity to bid farewell to the home supporters following his retirement from international football.

The former Uganda captain has been an important figure for the national team over the years, and his expected farewell appearance will provide an opportunity for fans to celebrate his contribution to the Cranes.

Put has assembled a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, with players based across Africa, Europe and North America included in the provisional squad.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who plays for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, headlines the goalkeeping department alongside Kingdom Osayi, David Lukwago and David Udoh Akpan.

The defensive unit features Toby Sibbick of Burton Albion, Nathan Asiimwe of Salford City, Herbert Bockhorn of FC Magdeburg and Kenneth Semakula of Al Ittihad Alexandria, among others.

In midfield, Aucho will be joined by Baba Alhassan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Joseph Seremba and Abdoulaye Sissako as Uganda look to maintain control and creativity in the middle of the pitch.

The attacking department includes Allan Okello of AS FAR Rabat, James Bogere of AGF, Travis Mutyaba of CS Sfaxien, Rogers Mato of Hearts, Kelvin Boateng of Austria Wien and Denis Omedi of Gor Mahia.

With Uganda currently occupying the top spot in Group H, the November fixtures present an important opportunity for Put’s side to strengthen its qualification prospects. The Cranes will be keen to take advantage of home support in the first encounter before turning their attention to the return fixture.

The provisional squad will now prepare for the upcoming international window as Uganda seek to maintain their momentum and move closer to securing a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Uganda squad:

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Kingdom Osayi (Assyriska FF, Sweden), David Lukwago (SC Villa, Uganda), David Udoh Akpan (Mosta FC, Malta).

Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Jonathan Odongo (Entebbe UPPC, Uganda), Rogers Torach (CC Constantine, Algeria), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United, Kenya), Majub Toto (Atlanta United, USA), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany).

Midfielders: Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor, Turkey), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC, Scotland), Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United, Kenya), Khalid Aucho (Sidama Bunna, Ethiopia), Abdoulaye Sissako (St. Truiden, Belgium).

Forwards: Allan Okello (AS FAR Rabat, Morocco), James Bogere (AGF, Denmark), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Kelvin Boateng (Austria Wien, Austria), Rogers Mato (Hearts, Scotland), Arnold Vula (Beerschot, Belgium), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks, USA), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa, Uganda).