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Uganda Cranes' head coach, Milutin Sredojevic, has unveiled the final squad set to journey to Morocco for the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Niger on Thursday.
Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago is among the notable names that have been left out of the Uganda Cranes squad slated to go head-to-head against Niger.
This unexpected exclusion raises eyebrows, as Lukwago has been a consistent presence in the national team, being the immediate replacement for Denis Onyango following his retirement in 2021.
Uganda Cranes' head coach, Milutin Sredojevic 'Micho' final squad, consists of 23 players, four of whom are local based and have been part of the team’s week-long camp in Kampala.
They include; Vipers captain Milton Karisa and SC Villa defender Kenneth Ssemakula who started against Algeria in Cameroon.
KCCA midfielder Moses Waiswa who returns to the fold since February when he featured against Ivory Coast in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Laban Tibita voted best midfielder in the Uganda Premier League last season can count his chances of making a Cranes debut.
The selected individuals are slated to embark on their journey to Morocco on Saturday at 4PM (local time) via Emirates airlines.
The responsibility of filling the void left by Cranes captain Emmanuel Okwi and Uganda’s apparent lack of goals will fall on New York Redbulls II striker Frank Ssebuufu.
The forward has displayed impressive form under the mentorship of Uganda Cranes legend Ibrahim Ssekgya, scoring 7 goals and contributing 4 assists in 24 games throughout the year.
However, Ssebuufu is not alone in answering the national call. His teammate, Ibrahim Kasule, has also earned his spot in the squad, owing to his stellar performance with New York Redbulls II.
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13:18 - 29.08.2023
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It should come as a huge blow, given the fact that the Cranes need goals and victory, but also hope that Tanzania suffers an away defeat to Algeria, to secure a spot in the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.
Kasule's recognition within the club's ranks is evident, as he secured the title of the club’s player of the month.
Furthermore, his debut for the senior side against New England Revolution on Thursday highlights his rising prominence.
Expressing his confidence in the chosen squad, Coach Sredojevic emphasizes, "After days of preparations in Kampala, I believe we are at the best level to go and compete against Niger."
“We already have two foreign players Taddeo Lwanga and Abdu Aziizi Kayondo that have been training with us while the rest will join us in Marrakech.”
The coach's optimism resonates with the essence of the task at hand, as the Cranes must tackle Niger in their final group game of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.
Uganda will play Niger at the Grand Stade Marrakech on Thursday, 7th September 2023.
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14:51 - 30.08.2023
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The Cranes are on the brink of elimination and must beat Niger next Thursday to stand any chance of progressing to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2019.
With the Cranes teetering on the edge of elimination, this match could be the pivotal moment for their return to the AFCON finals for the first time since 2019.
The equation for Uganda is simple yet challenging. They must secure victory against Niger and simultaneously hope that Tanzania stumbles against Algeria in the other Group F fixture.
Uganda Cranes travelling squad:
Goalkeepers: Ismail Watenga, Salim Omar Magoola, Nafian Alionzi
Defenders: Kenneth Semakula, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Isaac Muleme, Halidi Lwaliwa, Bevis Mugabi, Musa Ramathan, Joseph Ochaya
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Laban Tibiita, Faruku Miya, Ibrahim Kasule, Moses Waiswa
Forwards: Rogers Mato, Fahad Bayo, Richard Bassangwa, Frank Ssebufu
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