Uganda Cranes will walk into their opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia as underdogs, but head coach Paul Put will feel he has enough options to spring up a surprise.
Based on the pedigree and history, Put is expected to go for a cautious approach against a seasoned Tunisian side that won this tournament back in 2004 on home soil.
Uganda’s record against Maghreb teams doesn’t make for a good reading, and facing one in an Arab region, Put will be right if he prioritizes defensive discipline and quick transitions.
In goal, Denis Onyango who made a shocking return to the side this year is a better pick given his enormous experience especially at this stage. He has faced the Arab teams a couple of times, including in the Caf champions league with Mamelodi Sundowns. But he has since relinquished his place to Ronwen Williams at club level as time catches up on the former Cranes captain. It will not be a surprise though if Salim Jamal gets the nod.
Defensively, right back to start with, Toby Sibbick is a no-brainer and has showed his quality since his debut in March last year. The Burton Albion defender is very comfortable on the ball and offers an attavking outlet when needed.
Kenneth Ssemakula can be another alternative but he has since been shifted to anchor the midfield.
The left back position picks itself – the explosive Aziz Kayondo ahead of Isaac Muleme. He is expected to provide balance between defence and attack – but against a Tunisian side, he will be put to a stern test and his defensive credentials will be put on the line. His speed and agility make him one of the most reliable players on the team.
Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita will man the defence in centre back. Capradossi who turns out for Romanian side Universitatea Cluj, impressed everyone on his international debut against Botswana in the World Cup qualifiers at Namboole, and since then, he has lived to the billing of a former AS Roma player.
Obita, a left-sided defender, who represented England Youth teams before switching allegiance to Uganda in May this year, will be called up on to offer strong defensive contributions.
Put is expected to go for a double-pivot of Khalid Aucho and Ssemakula in the middle of the park as he looks to disrupt Tunisia’s rhythm, with the duo tasked to breaking up play and shield the backline.
Baba Al Hassan is expected to play a crucial part, but may come off the bench in this one. However, to many, he looks an upgrade of the two – Aucho and Ssemakula – given his game intelligence.
The trio of Melyvn Lorenzen, Allan Okello and Rogers Mato is expected to operate behind lone striker Steven Mukwala.
Lorenzen is an experienced attacker with stints at Werder Bremen and Ado Den Haag among others before his move to Muangthong United in Thailand this year. But he had gone off Cranes radar since 2016 when he made his debut, before Paul Put summoned him once again this year.
After a good showing at CHAN tournament on home soil, Okello’s confidence comrimues to soar and will be once again called on to impact the game with his dazzling skills and creativity. Motivated by the opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage, he looks to prove himself, especially with rumors swirling about the end of his stint at Vipers.
Mato is arguably Uganda’s most inform player – 15 goals in 22 appearances for North Macedonian side FK Vardar including three in Conference League! Gifted with speed and trickery, the former KCCA winger carries the nation’s hopes this time.
Mukwala, capable of playing on the flanks, could be tasked with leading the line this time. The former Asante Kotoko striker, now with Simba SC, has netted 13 league goals since last year for Msimbazi and will be eager to showcase his talent on the continental stage.
Uganda Cranes Probable Lineup – Denis Onyango; Toby Sibbick, Aziz Kayondo, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi; Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Allan Okello, Lorenzen Melvyn, Rogers Mato; Steven Mukwala