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The Uganda Cranes set off early Sunday morning at 3:00 AM, heading to face the Congo national team in the final fixture of the AFCON 2025
Courtesy Photo
qualifiers.
The crucial match is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with Uganda aiming to cap off their campaign with a strong performance.
Head coach Paul Put Joseph named a solid 26-man squad for the trip, emphasizing the importance of securing a positive result on Congolese soil.
Following their qualification for AFCON 2025 last week, the Cranes are eager to end the group stage on a high note.
Ahead of their departure, the team conducted an indoor recovery session on Saturday afternoon, focusing on both physical conditioning and mental preparedness.
This session was pivotal in ensuring the players are in peak form for the decisive clash.
Team captain Khalid Aucho shared the squad’s mindset during a media briefing, “We understand the importance of this game, and we are committed to giving our best to ensure we end the campaign on a high note.”
Aucho’s remarks reflect the team’s drive to maintain their momentum and secure another strong result, even after already booking their ticket to AFCON 2025.
Uganda currently sits second in Group K with 10 points, trailing group leaders South Africa by just one point. The Cranes sealed their qualification last Thursday before playing South Africa the following day.
Tuesday’s game presents an opportunity for Uganda to potentially overtake South Africa and claim the top spot, depending on other results.
Though Uganda has already qualified, a victory against Congo would boost the team’s morale and standings heading into the tournament. It also serves as a chance to further fine-tune strategies and build cohesion as they prepare for the continental showcase in 2025.
Uganda’s fans eagerly await the outcome, confident in the Cranes’ ability to soar high and deliver a strong finish to their qualification campaign.
Travelling contingent
Ochom Richard – Leader Of Delegation, Put Paul Joseph – Head Coach, Ssimbwa Sam Bamweyana – Assistant Coach, Oste Gerry Djrk – Goalkeeping Coach, De Wilde Sven Lydia Louis – Performance Manager, Denis Mathieu Ghislain – Physical Fitness Coach, Sevenhant Jelle Luca – Video Analyst, Depraetere Arnaud Rene C. – Sports Doctor, Naudts Arthur Frank – Fitness Coach, Mukatabala Paul Nantulya – Advance Party, Massa Geoffrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Team Doctor, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager and Kivumbi Joel Cornerious – Team Media Officer
Players
Goalkeepers; Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows Fc, South Africa), Charles Lukwago (Venda Fc, South Africa) and Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces Fc, Ethiopia)
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, Cyprus), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia) and 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) and 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, North Macedonia), Steven Mukwala Dear (Simba Sc, Tanzania), Calvin Hope Kabuye (Sandvikens If, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (Sc Villa,Uganda) and John Paul Dembe (Bk Hacken, Sweden)
Other officials; Kaweesa Andrew – FUFA Delegate, Kazibwe Ashiraf – FUFA Tv Producer, Lajan Livingstone – FUFA Judicial Bodies and Namutebi Jackie – FUFA Secretariat Staff
More reporting from Wallnet