The Uganda Cranes hit the ground running in Marrakech, Morocco, on Tuesday evening, kicking off their first training session ahead of two crucial international friendlies against Cameroon and Gambia.
After departing from Entebbe International Airport on Monday evening, the team arrived in Marrakech on Tuesday afternoon. After a short rest, the squad headed to the Marrakech stadium for a one-hour training session, led by assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa in place of head coach Paul Put, who is sidelined with illness.
Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick, who was already in Marrakech when the team arrived, took part in the session. Meanwhile, other foreign-based players, including Allan Oyirwoth, Elvis Bwomono, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, Isaac Muleme, and Bobosi Byaruhanga, are expected to join the squad by Wednesday evening, completing the full roster. Only Steven Mukwala is absent due to injury.
Despite the long journey and fatigue, assistant coach Ssimbwa was impressed with the players’ focus and effort during the session, expressing confidence that the squad is ready for the upcoming matches.
Right-back Nicholas Wadada, making his return to the Cranes after some time away, shared his excitement at rejoining the team. He committed to guide the younger players and ensuring the team achieves the desired results.
Forward Denis Omedi echoed his teammate’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the friendlies and assuring fans that the team will give their all to secure positive results.
The Uganda Cranes will face Cameroon on Friday, June 6, before taking on Gambia on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)
Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda)
Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren FC, Scotland)
Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)
Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)
Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic FC, England)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)
Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France)
Forwards:
Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)
Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)
