The Uganda national team have received a massive boost ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with the sensational return of iconic goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango.
The 39-year-old shot-stopper, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers of the modern era, has been included in coach Paul Put’s 28-man squad to face Mozambique and Somalia on September 5 and 8 respectively.
Onyango, who currently features for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, retired from international football in April 2021 after a glittering career that saw him captain the Cranes to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017 and 2019.
He was also crowned African Player of the Year (based in Africa) in 2016, an accolade that underlined his influence on the continent.
His surprise return comes at a crucial time for Uganda, with first-choice goalkeeper Isma Watenga sidelined through injury.
The Cranes sit fourth in Group G with nine points and will be banking on Onyango’s leadership, experience, and shot-stopping brilliance as they chase qualification for the World Cup.
Beyond the immediate qualifiers, Onyango’s availability also boosts Uganda’s chances ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where his presence between the sticks could be invaluable.
For many Ugandan fans, Onyango’s return feels like déjà vu – an inspirational leader stepping up once more to steady the national team in a period of need.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Salim Jamal Omar Magoola, Charles Lukwago, Joel Mutakubwa
Defenders: Halid Lwaliwa, Timothy Awany, Bevis Mugabi, Azizi Kayondo, Mustafa Kizza, Gavin Kizito, Herbert Achayi
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga, Ibrahim Orit, Bright Anukani, Moses Waiswa, Reagan Mpande
Forwards: Joseph Mpande, Uche Ikpeazu, Farouk Miya, Allan Okello, Patrick Kaddu, Rogers Mato, Milton Karisa, Derrick Kakooza, Steven Mukwala, Travis Mutyaba
Uganda will host Mozambique in Namboole on September 5 before facing Somalia three days later in what promises to be a defining week for the Cranes’ World Cup dreams.
