Uganda Cranes has today morning departed for Cameroon to continue preparations for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Algeria on 18th June 2023 at Japoma Stadium in Douala.
Head coach Milutin Sredojevic, after a ten-day residential training camp in Kampala, finalized the squad of 23 players who will confront Algeria in the crucial fixture.
The selected players consist of both those who participated in the residential camp in Uganda and the foreign-based players who will join the team, despite not having trained with the rest of the squad for the past week and a half.
It has three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders, and seven forwards. During their stay in Cameroon, the team will also engage in a friendly match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, the 14th of June, serving as a valuable warm-up before the encounter with Algeria.
Uganda will once again be hosting their home games away from home during the ongoing AFCON qualifying campaign. This comes after they hosted their first leg against Tanzania at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Egypt.
The decision to take the clash against Algeria was taken in April after FUFA inspected the Mandela National Stadium- Namboole and confirmed that it is not yet ready to host the qualifiers. Uganda Cranes, currently in joint-second position in Group F alongside Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, will be facing Algeria, who have already secured their place in the continental showpiece for next year.
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Uganda Cranes which is in joint-second position in Group F with Taifa Stars of Tanzania will host Algeria which has nothing to lose since they have already secured their slot for the continental showpiece that will come next year.
Therefore, it will be the onus of the Cranes to push hard and snatch a win from the African giants. Uganda, Tanzania, and Niger – find themselves in a fierce battle for the remaining slot in their upcoming fixtures. Both Uganda and Tanzania have four points while Niger has two points.
The forthcoming match represents yet another trial for the Serbian tactician, who has faced considerable criticism since assuming his position as the head coach of Uganda Cranes.
In the current squad, Micho, often criticized for adopting a more defensive approach to the game once again called upon a predominantly defensive-oriented squad in a match where Uganda needs to adopt a more offensive mindset if they are to strive to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Regarding his squad selection, Micho commented, “We believe that we have assembled a well-balanced squad, consisting of experienced players who provide leadership and maturity, as well as young talents who represent the bright future of Ugandan football and whom we aim to nurture into men.”
Goalkeepers
Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Charles Lukwago (St. George FC, Ethiopia), Nafian Alionzi (URA FC, Uganda)
Defenders
Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (Al Ittihad SC, Egypt), Abdu Azizi Kayondo (CD Leganes, Spain), Joseph Ochaya (Al Makwloon Al Arab, Egypt), Halid Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Gift Fred (SC Villa, Uganda), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruganga (FC Austin, USA), Siraje Ssentamu (Vipers SC, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC, Uganda), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece)
Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa, Uganda), Rogers Mato (KCCA FC, Uganda), Faruku Miya (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Emmanuel Okwi (Erbil SC, Iraq), Fahad Bayo (MFK Vyškov, Czech Republic), Richard Bassangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt).
By F Muganga