The Uganda national team, the Uganda Cranes, have received a significant boost with the addition of two talented players. Khalid Aucho and Steven Desse Mukwala have joined the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Somalia, slated for  8th September 2025.
Khalid Aucho adds depth to the midfield lineup, which already includes promising players such as Ronald Ssekiganda, Kenneth Ssemugabi, Joel Sserunjogi, Abdu Karim Watambala, and Travis Mutyaba. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as the Cranes look to secure crucial points in their upcoming matches.
Steven Desse Mukwala joins a formidable attacking front, featuring a mix of locally based talents and international players. Alongside Mukwala, the forward ranks include English-born Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, Joseph Mpande from Vietnam, and AC Hackens’ striker John Paul Dembe from Sweden, among others. This diverse attacking lineup promises to bring creativity and intensity to the team’s offensive efforts.
The defensive unit comprises several key players, including Rogers Torach, Toby Sibbick, and Herbert Bockhorn, who will be tasked with fortifying the backline. The team will also rely on the experience of goalkeepers Denis Onyango, Salim Omar Magoola, Nafian Alionzi, and Joel Mutakubwa to safeguard their goal.
The provisional team features 11 locally based players who are set to begin their preparations on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at the FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi. The players will undergo training as they look to sharpen their skills ahead of their opening matches.
On 5th September 2025, the Uganda Cranes will face Mozambique at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in a pivotal match that could dictate their standing in Group G. Just three days later, on 8th September, they will take on Somalia at the same venue. With Algeria currently leading the group with 15 points, the Cranes will be aiming to close the gap as they seek to secure their place in the next stage of the qualifiers.
As excitement builds for these critical encounters, fans eagerly anticipate the Uganda Cranes’ performances, hoping for a successful qualifying campaign that could see them grace the world stage once again.
