It’s all smiles in the Uganda Cranes camp at Avani Resort Hotel in Gaborone after forwards Rogers Mato and Travis Mutyaba arrived on Tuesday evening, completing coach Paul Put’s 26-man squad ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Mato joins in fine form, leading the scoring charts in North Macedonia with eight goals for FK Vardar.
The winger also netted twice in Uganda’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique during the last international break.
Mutyaba, who recently signed for CS Sfaxien in Tunisia, adds further creativity and depth to Uganda’s attack.
With the full squad now in camp, focus turns to the decisive Group G fixtures, an away game against Botswana on Thursday, October 9 in Francistown, followed by the final clash with Algeria on Tuesday, October 14.
The team will travel from Gaborone to Francistown on Wednesday afternoon.
Uganda currently sits second in Group G with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria. The group also includes Mozambique, Botswana, Somalia, and Guinea.
Team captain Khalid Aucho stressed the importance of unity and belief ahead of the double-header;
“These two games are vital for our country. We still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup or reach the playoffs. Everyone is motivated and focused on getting results for Uganda.”
Uganda Cranes squad in Botswana
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders: Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC)
Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
