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PAUL PUT DETERMINED: UGANDA CRANES FIND IDENTITY AHEAD OF NIGERIA, TUNISIA CLASH

Paul Put's final Uganda Cranes AFCON squad features a blend of veteran leadership (Onyango, Aucho) and young prospects (Bogere) for the Group C challenge.

Paul Put Determined: Uganda Cranes Find Identity Ahead of Nigeria, Tunisia Clash
Paul Put Banks on Onyango and Young Talent for AFCON.

Paul Put's Uganda squad mixes experience with fresh talent as the Cranes left Kampala for an AFCON competition filled with potential.

Uganda's AFCON 2025 run starts with a quiet feeling of determination.

By the time Paul Put’s team landed in Casablanca, Morocco, on Sunday for their training camp, the talk about who would be chosen had turned into something more telling: a team starting to find its identity.

Putin often talks about slow progress rather than big changes. His final list shows that idea.

Well put together

The team has experienced players where they're needed, young players where energy is key, and some players whose careers have taken them around the world but who still feel Ugandan strongly.

The big names aren't the main point. What's important is how everything fits together.

Al Hassan Baba from FC Steaua București brings a skilful midfield game that Uganda has often missed in big competitions.

Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu adds strength to challenge defenders but also knows this is a chance to restart his international career—along with Melvyn Lorenzen.

Then there’s James Bogere from Masaka Sunshine, fresh from the U-17 World Cup, who goes into AFCON with the confidence of youth.

Uganda doesn't often rush young players into the team. Put has done it because he thinks Bogere brings something the team needs: a direct style and bravery.

Been there, done that.

Around them are the experienced players: Denis Onyango, still setting a high standard at 40; Khalid Aucho, the heart of the midfield; and Timothy Awany, who is reliable when he plays.

Plus, there are the European-based players—Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, and Jordan Obita—who have slowly become part of the Cranes team. The squad seems more complete than when they started trying to qualify.

Allan Okello from Vipers, the country’s best home-based player, leads a group of eight players from the Uganda Premier League, from Vipers, SC Villa, and KCCA.

One thing missing is Put's coaching staff, as his assistant, Sam Ssimbwa's contract wasn't renewed.

Time to get to work.

Uganda knows what's coming: Tunisia's toughness, Tanzania's familiarity, and Nigeria's strength. Group C won't be easy. Put's team isn't going as favourites.

But they know that in tournament games, being clear, disciplined, and calm is what matters.

The 4-0 loss to Morocco still hurts, but it shows what they need to improve. The gap between them and Africa’s best teams is there, but it can be closed.

The two practice games in Morocco will help decide roles in the team.

Who plays with Aucho, who starts on the left wing, whether Ikpeazu starts or comes off the bench, and whether Bogere gets any real playing time. These small questions will decide how ready they are for the tournament.

Uganda enters AFCON without much fuss. But the team has a plan, fresher players, and a better idea of what they can do.

For a team returning to Africa’s biggest stage, that might be the best place to start.

Crane's final squad

Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola – Richards Bay (South Africa), Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Nafian Alionzi – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago – KCCA (Uganda).

Defenders: Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion (England), Elio Caprodossi – FC Universitatea Cluj (Romania), Jordan Obita – Hibernian (Scotland), Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda), Abdu Azizi Kayondo – FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic), Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov (Czech Republic), Timothy Awany – FC Ashdod (Israel), David Owori – SC Villa (Uganda), Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda).

Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho – Singida Black Stars SC (Tanzania), Ronald Ssekiganda – APR FC (Rwanda), Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots SC (USA), Alhassan Baba – FCSB (Romania).

Forwards: Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda), Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United (Thailand), Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), Denis Omedi – APR (Rwanda), Rogers Mato – FK Vardar (North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande – SC Villa (Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi – Jamus FC (South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – St Johnstone (Scotland), Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania), James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine (Uganda), Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA (Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza – KCCA (Uganda).

UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE

The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.

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She Cranes Crush Zimbabwe 60-38 in Africa Netball Cup

Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.

After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.

After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.

As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.

In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.

Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.

In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.

Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.

The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.

DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF

Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.

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Bogere's AFCON Prep Before Joining AGF U19S.

James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.

Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.

Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.

Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

About AGF Aarhus:

Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening

Location: Aarhus, Denmark

Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)

Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)

Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen

Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).

History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.

With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba

Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.

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