Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put is expected to name his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week.
This website has established that the Belgian is to name experienced left back Joseph Ochaya in his preliminary squad to kickoff preparations for the continental showpiece due in Morocco.
Ochaya has been impressive for his Egyptian side Arab Contractors FC featured at the 2017 and 2019 AFCON finals that were held in Gabon and Egypt respectively.
Simon Ssemayange who has had a brilliant start to the 2025/26 season in the Uganda Premier League is also expected to make the provisional squad.
In his previous squads, Put has been summoning Aziz Kayondo who will surely make the plane to Morocco and Herbert Achayi as the other left back.
SC Villa defender Geoffrey Lubangakene is also expected to be considered in the preliminary squad
Put was in the stands as Lubangakene was named man of the match during SC Villa and Vipers 1-1 stalemate at Kitende on Saturday.
Bevis Mugabi is the other center back that Put is expected to name in his provisional squad for the event due in Morocco this month.
Mugabi features for Carlisle from Cyprus’ Anorthosis and has over 20 caps for the Cranes with one goal. He can be deployed as a right back as well.
The Belgian tactician is planning to have a general rule for his selections, on the basis of two players in each position for his final AFCON squad.
Predicted Cranes Afcon 2025 26-man Squad
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Jamal Salim Magoola, Denis Kiggundu
In the departure lounge: Nafian Alionzi
Defenders: Aziz Kayondo, Tobby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awany
In the departures lounge: Bevis Mugabi, Geoffrey Lubangakene, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Herbet Achayi and Simon Ssemayange
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Kenneth Ssemakula, Al Hassan Baba, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Ronald Ssekiganda, Karim Watambala
In the departure lounge: Joel Sserunjogi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala
Forwards: Steven Mukwala, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Melvyn Lorenzen, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi, Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru, Rogers Mato
In the departure Lounge:
Denis Omedi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Joseph Mpande and Shafik Nana Kwiziriza