Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 28-man provisional squad for the international friendlies against Chad and Morocco later this month.
The Cranes will face Chad in Casablanca before taking on World Cup-bound Morocco on November 18 in Tanger, key tests as Uganda prepares for the 2026 AFCON.
The squad blends homegrown stars with experienced professionals abroad, featuring several new call-ups.
One of the biggest talking points is Baba Al Hassan, a 25 year-old midfielder from Romanian giants FC Steaua București (FCSB).
Put described him as a “box-to-box midfielder with maturity,” adding that he “will even play in the Europa League tonight,” potraying him as the rising quality of Uganda’s midfield.
Melvyn Lorenzen also returns to the fold. The 30-year-old winger, born in London to an Ugandan father and German mother, currently plays for Muangthong United in Thailand.
Having debuted for the Cranes in 2016, Lorenzen brings experience and versatility to the attack.
From the Uganda Premier League, standout performers Thomas Ikara (BUL FC), Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC), and Moses Aliro (URA FC) have earned deserved call-ups after strong domestic seasons.
The goalkeeping department features veterans Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Salim Magoola (Richards Bay), supported by emerging talents Ikara and Kiggundu.
Defensively, Put has opted for balance and depth, with Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), Jordan Obita (Hibernian), and Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion) leading the line.
Home-based defenders Rogers Torach and Hilary Mukundane (both Vipers SC) join the mix, alongside Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC) and Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec).
The midfield includes dependable figures like Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars), Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah), and Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots), alongside creative youngster Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution) and the exciting new addition Baba Al Hassan.
The attack is led by Steven Mukwala (Simba SC) and Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), supported by Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar), and veteran Joseph Mpande (PVF Can FC). Promising youngsters Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), and Jade Ssemujju (Jamus FC) also make the list.
The team will depart for Morocco next week, with the final squad expected to be trimmed after the Chad friendly.
Full Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Salim Magoola (Richards Bay, RSA), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, RSA), Thomas Ikara (BUL FC), Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
Defenders
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, ENG), Elio Caprodossi (Universitatea Cluj, ROM), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, SCO), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, CZE), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Timothy Awany (Ashdod, ISR), Moses Aliro (URA FC)
Midfielders
Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah, KSA), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars, TAN), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Baba Al Hassan (FCSB, ROM), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA)
Forwards
Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United, THA), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, TUN), Joseph Mpande (PVF Can FC, VIE), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, MAC), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jade Ssemujju (Jamus FC, SSD), Uche Ikpeazu (St Johnstone, SCO), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, TAN), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
