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Teenage striker John Paul Dembe and goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa were named in Uganda Cranes squad of the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
BK Hacken’s Dembe recently featured for the Uganda Hippos (U20 side) that took part in the U20 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers ending the tournament as top scorer with six goals.
John Paul Dembe during his training in National team colours at Lugogo ahead of U20 AFCON Qualifiers.
For Mugolofa, he managed to keep six clean sheets in Seven games for KCCA so far in this Uganda Premier League season thus helping the Lugogo side maintain their unbeaten run currently.
Mugolofa during KCCA training
Uganda will first face South Africa on 15th November at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, before traveling to Congo for the concluding match four days later.
Uganda Cranes team that recently featured against South Sudan in Namboole.
Currently, Cranes are leading Group K with 10 points, require just a point from these two games to secure qualification.
When asked about Mugolofa’s inclusion Coach Paul Putt admitted that he needed him around the set up;
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Putt.
“We are aware that CHAN is around the corner, and we have games against Burundi next month”
“I needed to have him (Mugolofa) around the set up and also get training sessions with the goalkeeping coach,” he concluded
Hakim Kiwanuka too received his first call up after good recent display while Geoffrey Wasswa is also the other name that has been added in the mix after the elimination of club-less Ellio Capradosi
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa), Mutwalibu Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)
Team will enter into a residential camp on Sunday at Cranes Paradise, Kisasi with foreign-based players joining as they arrive.
Group K standings.
- Uganda – 10 points
- South Africa – 8 points
- Congo – 4 points
- South Sudan – 0 points
