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Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put announced a 28-man provisional squad to prepare for the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Openers slated for September 6th away to South Africa away at the Orlando stadium and later back at home on September 9th against Congo Brazzaville in Namboole Stadium.
The suprise called name is Swedish based 21- year old winger Calvin Kabuye who currently plays for Sandvikens IF in the Swedish 2nd tier.
Last year, Kabuye played for the Sweden U23 Team against Denmark in a friendly.
The other one is goalkeeper Charles Lukwago is back after missing the previous World Cup qualifiers against Algeria and Botswana.
Lukwago recently signed with South Africa’s Venda FC.
While Italian-based center back Elio Capradossi who recently parted ways with lower league side Lecco is also in the team.
Coach Paul Put revealed that several players will be absent due to injury;Herbert Bockhorn (Magdeburg), Isak Ssewankambo (Norrkoping), Allan Kyambadde (Al Dakhleya), Mubiru Uche Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone) and Moses Opondo (AC Horsens) are among those names.
The team will come together in South Africa, except for local players . For Halid Lwaliwa and Kenneth Ssemakula, they will miss the first game against South Africa due to delayed travel documents.
Uganda Cranes squad
Goalkeepers
Isma Watenga (Golden Arrows), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces), Charles Lukwago (Venda)
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren), James Begisa (URA), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov), Joseph Ochaya (Al Mokawlon), Elio Capradossi (Unattached), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta), Halid Lwaliwa (Al Ain), Arnold Odongo (SC Villa), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), Kenneth Ssemakula (Club Africaine)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek), Said Mayanja (KCCA)
Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), Joachim Ojera (Al Mokawlon), Rogers Mato (Braga Strumica), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC), Shaban Muhammad (Al Hilal Benghazi), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens), Allan Okello (Vipers)
The Cranes are in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, alongside South Africa, Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan.
Only the top-two teams in every Group will qualify for the final tournament in Morocco.
