Denis Onyango returns to Uganda Cranes after four years in retirement

Uganda Cranes legendary goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango has made a sensational return to the national team, four years after announcing his international retirement. The 39-year-old, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, has been included in the 28-man squad named by head coach Paul Put ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Cranes set for World Cup qualifiers

Uganda Cranes, currently fourth in Group G with nine points, will host Mozambique on September 5th and Somalia on September 8th as they continue their qualification campaign.

Onyango’s legacy and leadership

Onyango, widely regarded as Uganda’s greatest goalkeeper, guided the Cranes to back-to-back AFCON qualifications in 2017 and 2019. In 2016, he was crowned African Player of the Year (based in Africa), cementing his status as one of the continent’s finest shot-stoppers. His return comes at a crucial moment, with first-choice goalkeeper Isma Watenga sidelined due to injury, leaving a vacuum in the department.

Eyes on AFCON 2025

With his wealth of experience, Onyango could play a pivotal role in helping Uganda secure a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled for December.

Other key inclusions

– Salim Jamal Omar Magoola, who has been out since 2023, also makes his return to the national team.
– Joseph Mpande and Ikpeazu Uchechukwu, who had previously missed call-ups, are included in the squad.
– 11 players from the CHAN 2024 squad have been retained, among them Reagan Mpande and Herbert Achayi, both earning their first senior team call-ups.