Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango sensationally returned to international football, answering a recall from Uganda’s national team ahead of their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures.
The 40-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper, who had retired from the international scene in 2021 after a storied career spanning 79 appearances since his 2005 debut, is back in the fold as the Cranes prepare for two crucial home matches, a September 5 showdown with Mozambique followed by a clash against Somalia three days later at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
“I’m happy to be back. This is round two for me,” Onyango said to the press with a smile after arriving at camp. “When the call-up came, I shared the news with my Sundowns teammates, and they were very excited because they knew I had retired. Some of them even wanted to see me back for probably the final time. It’s an incredible honour to return to the national team.”
‘I am happy to be back for round two.’ Denis Onyango @masindeonyango
5.9.2025: Uganda vs Mozambique 7pm
8.9.2025: Uganda vs Somalia 7pm #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9ybIDUCUdC— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) September 2, 2025
Onyango joined the team’s first training session on Monday, reuniting with a squad that has undergone significant changes in his absence. While his leadership and wealth of experience are expected to bolster morale, the former Cranes captain made it clear that his inclusion doesn’t guarantee a starting berth.
“There are no guarantees that I’ll start,” he admitted. “The position is open, and whoever is ready and performs best will play. At the end of the day, we all want to see the national team win.”
Uganda faces a steep climb in Group G, where they currently sit fourth with nine points from six games, trailing Algeria, Mozambique, and Botswana. Yet Onyango believes the squad’s mix of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners could prove decisive in their quest for qualification.
“Every team needs both senior players and young talent,” he emphasized. “The young ones bring energy, while the senior players provide calmness in pressure moments. We must share ideas, work together, and fight for good results.”
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
As Uganda gears up for two must-win encounters, Onyango’s comeback adds both intrigue and inspiration to a campaign teetering on the edge of possibility.
