Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango believes his wealth of experience could prove decisive as Uganda Cranes prepare for their opening fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Set to face former champions Tunisia in Rabat, Uganda will be banking not only on youthful energy but also on the calming influence of Onyango, who is returning to the continental showpiece for a third time. The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper last featured at AFCON in 2019, a tournament that marked Uganda’s best recent outing after reaching the round of 16 in Egypt.
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Now back in the national fold after a four-year absence, Onyango is clear about the role he intends to play within a squad largely made up of emerging talents. He admits the Cranes are in a transition phase but insists belief and discipline can bridge the gap against more fancied opponents.
“My task is mostly to encourage the players and make them aware that it is possible regardless of who we play,” said Onyango.
He stressed that mental strength will be just as important as technical quality at the tournament.
“They need to know that living on hard work and more concentration and focus is needed because we are playing difficult teams,” he added.
Uganda’s last AFCON appearance came several years ago, and Onyango acknowledges the generational shift within the team since then.
“The last Afcon we played was a couple of years back. We have different generations of players and a lot of young players,” Onyango stated.
Despite the challenges, the Cranes’ ambitions remain grounded yet realistic. Onyango says the immediate goal is to replicate the 2019 achievement by progressing beyond the group stage.
“Our target is to get to the next round which is the round of 16 which we did last time. And we shall take it one game at the time,” said Onyango.
The former African-based African Player of the Year, crowned in 2017, returned to international duty earlier this year, reversing a retirement decision he made four years ago.
For Onyango, the comeback is driven by an enduring love for the game and a desire to give back to the national team:
“I have been away for four years but its the hunger for the game and the passion for the game which has given me everything I have in life.”
As Uganda braces for a stern test against Tunisia, Onyango’s presence offers the Cranes a blend of experience, leadership and belief as they aim to make another meaningful mark on the AFCON stage.
