Cranes depart for international friendlies against Mali, Zambia

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The Interim Head Coach of the Uganda Cranes, Morley Byekwaso, has revealed the final team selection ahead of the upcoming international friendly ties against Mali and Zambia.

Following the recent disheartening failure to qualify for AFCON 2023, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) decided to organize engagements for the national team during the international break.

As part of this decision, Byekwaso was appointed as the interim head coach after Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho parted ways with FUFA.

Byekwaso has been diligently working with the players during the past four days of training at East High in Kisasi.

His focused approach and determination to make the most of this opportunity have evidently left a positive impact on the local-based squad members.

The match against Mali is scheduled to take place on Friday, 13th October at Stade du Mars in Bamako. The Uganda Cranes will face a formidable challenge as they compete against a strong Malian side.

However, Byekwaso’s coaching expertise and the team’s collective effort will be crucial in delivering a competitive performance.

On Tuesday, 17th October 2023, the Uganda Cranes are flying  to lock horns with Zambia at the Hamriya Stadium in Sharjah. This encounter will provide another opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and strive for a favourable result.

The team departed from Uganda early Tuesday morning (2 am) via Ethiopian Airways.

The final team selection reflects Byekwaso’s insights and assessments of the players’ abilities and form. It is an exciting blend of talent and experience that aims to represent Uganda with pride and determination.

UGANDA CRANES FULL SQUAD 

Goalkeepers; Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Hapoel Tel Aviv FC, Israel), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga FC, Tanzania), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Laban Tibiita (URA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Lawrence Tezikya (BUL FC, Uganda), Rogers Kassim Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey)

Besides defenders Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and Halidi Lwaliwa who will travel with the contingent from Uganda, the rest of the foreign-based players will join the team from their respective clubs.

FUFA Executive Committee Member and former Uganda Cranes player Dan Obote is the Leader of the Delegation.