KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Uganda Cranes skipper and celebrated goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango has made a shock comeback to international football, four years after calling time on his national team career.
The 40-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper was on Tuesday named in coach Paul Put’s 28-man provisional squad ahead of Uganda’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Uganda is currently placed fourth in Group G with nine points.
Onyango, who captained the Cranes to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations appearances in 2017 and 2019, is widely regarded as Uganda’s greatest goalkeeper. His crowning moment came in 2016 when he won the CAF African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) award, underscoring his stature on the continent.
Timely reinforcement for Cranes
His return comes at a critical juncture, with Uganda’s goalkeeping options under strain. First-choice Isma Watenga is out injured, while Salim Jamal Magoola has only just returned from a lengthy spell away. Coach Put is expected to lean heavily on Onyango’s wealth of experience and leadership qualities to steady the squad.
The Belgian tactician also rewarded emerging talent, calling up CHAN 2024 standouts Reagan Mpande and Herbert Achayi. In total, 11 players from the CHAN team were elevated to the senior side, reflecting a deliberate blend of youth and seasoned campaigners.
The Cranes will enter residential training camp on August 31 at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi to prepare for the crucial fixtures. The squad features three goalkeepers, ten defenders, five midfielders, and nine forwards.
Onyango, who had initially retired in 2021 after Uganda’s failed bid to qualify for the AFCON 2022, will now don the national colours once again, a move expected to energise both the team and supporters.