Shaban returns to ease Cranes’ scoring woes

With few new faces in Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put's 26-man squad for this month's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea, the return of Libyan-based forward Muhammad Shaban has provided much-needed relief in the goal-scoring department.

Currently fifth in Group G with six points from four matches, Uganda has struggled to find the back of the net, managing only four goals while conceding the same. 

In recent Cranes engagements, the Belgian coach was left to rely on the likes of Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi, Calvin Kabuye, and Steven Mukwala to deliver goals.

Cranes need goals

However, the absence of a reliable, fearsome striker like Shaban highlighted the Cranes’ ongoing goal-scoring woes.

Shaban has exuded maturity and goal hunger since moving to Libyan side Al Hill which led to his recent money switch to Al-Anwar. 

The former Raja Casablanca forward has played through the national team ranks and was part of the 2017 Afcon team before injuries hampered his progress. 

He returned last year to spearhead the Cranes attack under Put before a spate of injuries connived him to rule him out of contention. 

No time to rest

While unveiling his squad yesterday at Fufa Complex in Mengo,  Put emphasized that he opted to stick with most of the players he had recently worked with, citing the limited time for preparations between March 16 and the Mozambique game on March 20.

Understanding the time constraints, Put expressed that the Cranes' preparation would begin in Egypt, where Mozambique will host Uganda in Cairo.

He shared that the initial preparations would involve local-based players starting on March 16, followed by the arrival of the professionals on March 18.

“We will prepare the team in Egypt because of the limited time; we shall start with local-based players on March 16 and then be joined by professionals on March 18. If you want to qualify for the World Cup, approach each game differently. 

"We have the mentality because we have played big teams in Africa. It is important to win the away game,” Put said.

No Capraddosi

Among the new faces in  Put's squad are Wigan defender Toby Sibbick, Vipers midfielder Karim Watambala, Nec playmaker Enock Ssebagala, and the return of Vipers' man-marking defender Rogers Torach. 

While their inclusion is merited based on their recent form, it is doubtful they will break into Put’s first team, given the Belgian coach’s conservative approach.

Many had hoped for the swift return of calm center-back Elio Capraddosi, who impressed on his debut, but Put revealed he missed out due to an injury sustained at Serie B club Cittadella. 

The Cranes face a Herculean task in their quest to secure a maiden World Cup ticket to North America next year, with only the group leaders guaranteed an automatic qualification spot. 

They are currently placed in Group G, which already includes leaders Algeria and second-placed Mozambique, both tied on nine points. 

Botswana and Guinea are level with Uganda on six points, but with a better goal difference. The Cranes will enter camp on Friday and travel on Saturday to join their foreign-based players in Egypt.

2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers

Group G

March 20
Mozambique vs. Uganda, 4pm

March 25
Uganda vs Guinea, 7pm

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers

Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (Bul)

Defenders

Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren , Scotland), Gavin Kizito (KCCA ), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech), Aziizi Kayondo (FC Sloven Liberec, Czech) , Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Toby Shibbick (Wigan AFC, England), Rogers Torach (Vipers)

Midfielders

Khalid Aucho (Yanga), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Allan Okello (Vipers), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers), Enock Ssebagala (Nec)

Forwards

Denis Omedi (APR), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar, Libya), Steven Mukwala (Simba, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Mjallby IF, Sweden), Rogers Mato (FC Vardar, North Macedonia), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Hakim Kiwanuka (APR, Rwanda)