Uganda Cranes Head Coach Put Paul Joseph has summoned his first ever squad since taking over the role about two days back.
The Belgian has called up a provisional squad of 36 players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, where Uganda will face Guinea and Somalia on November 17 and 21, respectively.
However, while Yunus Sentamu has returned to the fold, Ibrahim Kasule hasn't been named in the squad, raising eyebrows.
Following the sacking of Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, it was hoped Sentamu would return to the team set-up after he had allegedly fallen out with the Serbian and his tactics.
The Vipers SC forward recently used his social media handles to announce his 'return', and he is justly back.
His last
On the other hand, Kasule has been the most in-form Ugandan after netting 17 goals and managing six assists for his MLS Next Pro outfit New York Red Bulls 2 team.
09:34 - 04.11.2023
FOOTBALL Paul Put: Belgian optimistic about his Cranes future
FUFA appointed the former Harambee Stars coach on a two-year renewable contract to succeed the Serbian Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, who was sacked with a year left in his second tenure.
Meanwhile, the team includes Express FC star midfielder Ramsay Kawooya, who has been rewarded for his excellent form this season.
It should be noted that both games will be played in Morocco, with Uganda being the visiting team.
FUFA has revealed the final team will travel to Berkene, Morocco, on November 12.
19:32 - 02.11.2023
FOOTBALL Cranes Coach Paul Put makes bold promise to Ugandans
The Uganda Cranes have resembled a dysfunctional team over the past years, failing to qualify for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2021 and 2023.
Uganda is in Group G along with Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, Botswana and Mozambique.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Nafian Legason Alionzi (Mekelakeya SC, Ethiopia), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Isima Bin Rashid Abdul Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Defenders
Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono Okello (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo CD Leganes, Spain), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Bevis Kristofer Mugabi (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Najib Fesali (URA FC, Uganda), Denis Timothy Awany (SC Ashdod, Israel), Benjamin Nyakoojo (Kitara FC, Uganda), Rogers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
19:00 - 02.11.2023
FOOTBALL Ssimbwa named new Uganda Cranes assistant
“Sam Ssimbwa appointed Uganda Cranes assistant coach,” FUFA said in a statement, adding; “Uganda Cranes head coach Put Paul Joseph has appointed Sam Ssimbwa as his assistant.”
Midfielders
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Allan Oyirwoth (AMUS College, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Isma Mugulusi (Unattached), Joseph Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Umaru Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Hamza Kawooya(Express FC, Uganda)
Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Fred Amaku (Maroons FC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Rogers Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jaockim Ojera (Rayon Sports FC, Rwanda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Travis Mutyaba (FC Dynamo Tbilisi, Georgia), Yunus Sentamu