Uganda Cranes Complete Camp as Hannibal Misses Tunisia Clash 

Uganda Cranes have all 26 players in Tunisia before their AFCON 2027 qualifier, while Hannibal Mejbri misses the match through injury.

Uganda Cranes have assembled all 26 selected players in Tunisia ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, while the hosts will be without influential midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.

The Group H contest will take place at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:00 pm East African Time.

Having every summoned player in camp gives head coach Paul Put an opportunity to complete his tactical preparations, assess the condition of late arrivals and decide how Uganda will approach a difficult away fixture.

Tunisia, meanwhile, must adjust without Mejbri, who is reportedly unavailable through injury. His absence removes an energetic and technically gifted midfielder, but the North Africans still have experienced options capable of controlling the game.

Tunisia vs Uganda Match Details

CAF’s official qualifying schedule places Uganda alongside Tunisia, Libya and Botswana in Group H.

All 26 Uganda Cranes Players in Camp

The complete Uganda squad has now assembled following the arrival of players travelling from different leagues and countries. The Cranes held further training sessions in Tunis as Put worked on organisation, set pieces and transitions.

The presence of all 26 players does not automatically confirm that everyone will start or pass the final medical assessment. It does, however, allow the technical team to consider the full group when selecting the matchday squad.

According to the Uganda Cranes camp update, Put has three goalkeepers and a mixture of experienced internationals, foreign-based professionals and Uganda Premier League players.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo, David Lukwago and Denis Onyango.

Defenders: Geoffrey Lubanga Kene, Herbert Achayi, Hilary Mukundane, Jonathan Odongo, Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Nathan Asiimwe, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach and Abdu Aziizi Kayondo.

Midfielders and forwards: Richard Basangwa, Frank Ssebufu, Hassan Mubiru, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato, Allan Oyirwoth, Joseph Seremba, Denis Omedi, James Bogere, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Noble Okello and Baba Alhassan.

Selection Decisions Facing Paul Put

Put must balance experience with physical condition when choosing his starting team. Several players joined the camp later than others, reducing the time available to rehearse partnerships.

Denis Onyango provides leadership and experience in goal, while the defensive options include players accustomed to different leagues and tactical systems. Establishing communication across the back line will be essential against a Tunisia side expected to control possession.

In midfield, Baba Alhassan, Noble Okello, Allan Oyirwoth and Allan Okello offer different qualities. Uganda will need players capable of protecting the defence while also retaining the ball when possession is recovered.

Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi, Steven Mukwala, Travis Mutyaba and James Bogere give Put pace, movement and flexibility in attack. The final choice may depend on whether Uganda prioritise counterattacking speed, physical presence or technical control.

Hannibal Mejbri Ruled Out

Tunisia will enter the match without Hannibal Mejbri, who was left out of the squad because of injury. The Burnley midfielder has become an important figure for the Eagles of Carthage through his pressing, passing and willingness to carry possession forward.

Mejbri delivered a strong performance when Tunisia defeated Uganda 3-1 during their previous AFCON meeting. His absence therefore removes a player already familiar with the Cranes.

However, Uganda cannot treat the injury as a decisive advantage. Tunisia coach Mouine Chaabani has recalled experienced midfielders Ferjani Sassi and Aïssa Laïdouni, while Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and Hamza Rafia provide further options.

The Tunisia squad update also confirms the return of veteran left-back Ali Maâloul.

Tunisia Retain Experience Despite Changes

Chaabani has made significant changes from the squad that represented Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup. Only 14 members of that group were reportedly retained for the qualifiers against Uganda and Botswana.

The changes suggest Tunisia are beginning a new cycle while maintaining an experienced core. Montassar Talbi and Alaa Ghram provide defensive strength, with Sassi, Laïdouni and Ben Romdhane offering control in midfield.

Elias Achouri and Sayfallah Ltaief are among the attacking players Uganda must monitor. Their movement and ability to attack space could test the Cranes whenever the visitors lose possession.

Players to Watch

Allan Okello

Okello can connect Uganda’s midfield and attack through his movement, passing and set-piece delivery. He has also urged his teammates to produce maximum effort against the North Africans.

Denis Onyango

The experienced goalkeeper could be central to Uganda’s organisation. His communication and decision-making will matter if Tunisia create sustained pressure.

Aïssa Laïdouni

With Mejbri unavailable, Laïdouni could assume greater midfield responsibility. Uganda must prevent him from controlling the pace of the contest.

Elias Achouri

Achouri’s direct running and movement across the forward line make him a major Tunisian threat. Uganda’s full-backs will need protection from midfield.

What Uganda Must Get Right

Uganda must remain compact and avoid giving Tunisia space between midfield and defence. Concentration will be particularly important during switches of play, set pieces and second-ball situations.

The Cranes also need composure after regaining possession. Simply clearing the ball would invite renewed pressure, so Okello, Mutyaba and the deeper midfielders must help Uganda progress up the pitch.

Counterattacks could provide Uganda’s clearest opportunities. Mato, Omedi and Mukwala possess the movement to threaten space, but the final pass must be accurate.

Having the complete squad in camp strengthens Put’s options, but preparation time has been limited. The Cranes will need defensive discipline, controlled transitions and efficient finishing to secure a positive result.

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Verdict

Uganda arrive at the fixture encouraged by the completion of their 26-player camp, while Tunisia must reorganise without Mejbri. Neither development determines the final result.

For the Cranes, the match provides a demanding assessment of squad depth, concentration and tactical progress. A disciplined display in Radès would give Ugandan supporters further evidence that the team is building purposefully towards AFCON 2027 on home soil.