In a stunning turn of events, legendary goalkeeper and former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango has come out of retirement to rejoin the national team four years after hanging up his gloves on the international stage.
Head coach Paul Put has named Onyango in his 28-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Uganda will face Mozambique and Somalia in two pivotal fixtures.
The Cranes kick off their campaign against Mozambique on 5 September 2025 at the renovated Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. The match is set for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Earlier that same day, the stadium will also host Somalia versus Guinea at 3:00 p.m.
Three days later, Uganda returns to action at the same venue, this time under the floodlights against Somalia on 8 September, also at 7:00 p.m.
Currently sitting fourth in Group G with 9 points level with Botswana but behind leaders Algeria (15), Mozambique (12), and Botswana on goal difference Uganda will be desperate for wins to stay in the qualification race. Guinea and Somalia trail behind in the standings.
Onyango’s recall follows a major blow to the Cranes’ goalkeeping ranks in June when first-choice keeper Ismael Watenga sustained a serious knee injury that is expected to keep him out for over a year.
Joining Denis Onyango in the squad is another seasoned shot-stopper, Salim Jamal of South African club Richards Bay, signaling a strategic pivot back to experience between the posts.
Denis Onyango, now 40, originally retired from international duty in 2021 to focus on his club career with Mamelodi Sundowns. His journey with the national team began on 18 June 2005 in a World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde and spanned 16 years of service.
He remains a national icon for leading Uganda back to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 after a 39-year absence, conceding just two goals during that qualifying campaign. He also captained the Cranes at both the 2017 and 2019 AFCON tournaments, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s all-time greats.
Onyango’s comeback is expected to bring a vital dose of leadership and calm to Uganda’s backline, as the Cranes aim to reignite their World Cup qualification hopes.
Daily Spear Ug will provide updates as new developments arise.
