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Uganda Cranes players during a training session ahead of Mozambique and Somalia WC qualifying ties at Namboole
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The national football team, the Uganda Cranes, has intensified preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifier double header at Namboole Stadium. The team, which will hold its penultimate training session today at Kyambogo Grounds, is set to play Mozambique on Saturday before facing Somalia on Monday, September 8, both at Namboole. The Cranes have been boosted by the return of veteran goalkeeper Denis “Mr. Safe Hands” Onyango, who came out of international retirement after being recalled by head coach Paul Put for this crucial double outing.
"Well, the responsibility remains the same because what matters is results. Whether I’ve come in for the second time or the first, performance is what speaks volumes. We need to support each other and stay positive because it’s very important to know we are all fighting for the same goal," Onyango said.
Uganda Cranes veteran goal keeper Denis Onyango has returned from retirement to join the team
"Of course, every team needs both senior players and young blood. The young players bring energy, while the senior players help calm nerves when there’s pressure and guide the team to manage the game. Football requires experience, but also a lot of running, which the young ones do. We share different ideas, pick the best, and get results. No team can win with only youngsters—there must always be a blend of youth and seniority," he added.
Other notable inclusions in the squad are Nigerian-born Ugandan striker Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, who plays for Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone.
Nigerian born Uganda striker Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu (green) during training with Uganda Cranes
Ikpeazu emphasized that representing Uganda is an honor and pledged to give his best for the team.
"Playing for your national team is a privilege. I haven’t been here for a while, but this is my country, this is where I’m from. I’m relishing the opportunity. Of course, there are expectations, but I want to be the difference and help the team in any way I can to move forward," Ikpeazu said.
Uganda Cranes players during a training session ahead of Mozambique and Somalia WC qualifying ties at Namboole
Uganda currently sits 4th in Group G with 9 points, three behind second-placed Mozambique. In the first leg in Maputo, Mozambique defeated the Cranes 3–1. A win for Uganda on Friday would see Paul Put’s side leapfrog the Central Africans on goal difference.
Uganda Cranes players during a training session ahead of Mozambique and Somalia WC qualifying ties at Namboole
The Cranes need victories in both Kampala matches to move closer to second place and keep alive their hopes of reaching the continental qualifying round, should group leaders Algeria qualify automatically.
After the Namboole fixtures, Uganda will close the campaign away to Botswana and Algeria, matches that will determine who secures a spot in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
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