The Uganda Cranes entered their second day of training at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as focus sharpens on Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Mozambique. The match will be followed by another crucial tie against Somalia on 8th September 2025, both under floodlights in Kampala.
Midfielder Allan Okello emphasised the need for intensity and full commitment in training as the team gears up for the doubleheader.
‘Everyone is trying to do their level best in training. Making sure that we get all the tactics we need so that we go all in come Friday,’ Okello said after the session.
The Vipers SC playmaker compared the upcoming fixtures to his experience at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year, noting that the World Cup qualifiers demand an even greater focus.
‘CHAN was a different tournament. This is a very different one too. We need to level up because I do not think it is the same level that we are playing in CHAN. So we need to concentrate a lot. As players, we need the confidence, the motivation. And yeah, as always, we need our fans behind us. We can not make this alone. We made history with them together, and we need to make history again starting on Friday.’
On the task ahead, Okello urged his teammates to take a step-by-step approach.
‘I would say a game at a time. We are concentrating on the Mozambique game now. We do not want to focus too much on the following game, which is Somalia. So we make sure that we get the maximum points and then go again in the next game.’
With the Cranes playing in front of home fans, Okello believes the support will be vital in pushing the team closer to their World Cup dream.
‘The fans have been so amazing. They have given us the energy. They have motivated us a lot. We created memories together during CHAN. And we have a very big dream to achieve, which is to qualify for the World Cup. So we need them behind us.’
The midfielder also hailed the impact of experienced players such as Denis Onyango in the camp.
‘It is really amazing. It really helps us, especially the players who are new in the team. Having Denis in the team also motivates us. He gives us the confidence and boosts us up. At the end of the day, what matters most is that we get the results.’
Kenneth Semakula echoed the same confidence, noting the steady progress as more players settle into camp.
‘We have had a good training session. We are just getting the pieces all together. The camp is almost getting full, so it will be a full house I think by tomorrow, inshallah. And everyone is doing well. Of course, we have a target as a nation, so we hope for the best in these two games. Hopefully, we want to get maximum points from both games,’ he said.
Regarding the senior players in the camp, Semakula shared the same sentiments as Okello.
‘This gives the team confidence and then maturity in the team. Leadership, all those things come with the senior players and we are grateful to have them in the squad,’ he added.
As of training day two, twenty-six players are in camp: Mutyaba Travis, Ronald Ssekiganda, Alionzi Nafian, Denis Onyango, Magoola Salim, Kakande Patrick, Serunjogi Joel, Ssemugabi Jude, Mpande Joseph, Achayi Herbert, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Mukundane Hillary, Allan Okello, Mpande Reagan, Omedi Denis, Mutakubwa Joel, Watambala Abdu Karim, Semakula Kenneth, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, Toby Sibbick, Khalid Aucho, Steven Mukwala and Kayondo Aziizi.
Bwomono Elvis and Jordan Obita are expected to join later this afternoon.
