Following his stellar performance against Botswana on Friday, June 7, Uganda Cranes defender Elio Capradossi is eager to shine again at Namboole Stadium when the Cranes face Algeria on Monday night, June 10.
In his debut for the Cranes, Italy-based Capradossi was instrumental in shutting out Botswana’s strikers, leading Uganda to a 1-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Muhammed Shaban netted the match’s only goal in the 74th minute.
The towering 28-year-old earned high praise for his commanding presence in the center of defense. Coach Paul Put paired Capradossi with Halid Lwaliwa, with Isaac Muleme and Elvis Bwomono covering the left and right backs, respectively.
“He (Capradossi) has the ideal physical presence; he was so calm and organized, that’s why we never had any serious threat on our goal. I think our central defensive problems are sorted,” said Asuman Lubowa, former Uganda Cranes coach and national technical director, after the game.
Ahmed Hussein Marsha, a seasoned sports journalist and spokesman for FUFA, also lauded Capradossi. “He showed great maturity that has been lacking in the Cranes’ backline for some years. He reminded me of (Ibra) Sekajja’s days when Cranes was unbreakable at the back,” Marsha noted. Sekajja, now coaching New York Bulls II in the US, captained the Cranes from 1998 to 2014 and was known for his solid defending and leadership.
Capradossi is now being hailed as the new Sekajja in the Cranes’ defense, thanks to his impressive debut. Monday night offers him the chance to cement his place in the national team by taking on the formidable Algerians, crucial to Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Finals for the first time.
Capradossi understands the high stakes for both himself and the Cranes. A victory against Algeria could significantly boost his national team profile and enhance his prospects at the club level in Europe. Currently with Calcio Lecco 1912, Capradossi’s team was relegated after finishing bottom of the 20-team table in the 2023–24 season and will play in Serie C next season.
Born in Kampala in 1996 to an Italian father and a DR Congolese mother, Capradossi moved to Italy at the age of two. He represented Italy at the under-21 international level in 2017 and has previously played for AS Roma, SC Bari, and Spezia.