In-form young stars Ibrahim Owen Baba Kasule and URA FC’s Laban Tibita have been the major highlight in Micho’s selected team to Morocco to face Niger.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Micho Sredojevic is positive the final 23 man squad will accomplish the tricky task ahead of them in Marrakech in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier match against Niger.
‘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.’ He told Fufa.co.ug.
Exciting young stars Ibrahim Kasule and Frank Sebufu who have had decent start to their career at New York Red Bull have been both named in the final squad as well as Laban Tibita who has been impressive for his new team URA in the FUFA Super 8 tournament.
Experienced goalkeeper Watenga returns to the fold and will fight for the starting slot with Salim Jamal and Nafian Alionzi at the expense of Lukwago and Mutakubwa who have been left out.
Team Captain Emmanuel Okwi, Farouk Miya, Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Siraje Sentamu, Goeffrey Wasswa, Gift Fred, James Begisa and Tomothy Awany are other notable faces dropped from the final squad but were named in the provisional team.
A squad comprised of 23 players, will travel to Morocco on Saturday at 4PM (local time) aboard Emirates airlines.
It should be noted that the game against Niger is the final group game for the Uganda Cranes in the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.
Niger will host Uganda at the Grand Stade Marrakech on Thursday, 7th September 2023
The Cranes is 3rd in Group F on 4 points, it needs to win and also pray group leaders Algeria defeat Tanzania to qualify for the AFCON due next year.
Algeria lead the group with maximum 15 points, Tanzania second placed with 7, Uganda at 4 points amd Niger bottom placed at 2 points.
On Wednesday, the team played the first of its practice matches against SC Villa, which ended in a one-all draw at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Uganda Cranes travelling squad
Goalkeepers
Isma 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 Basangwa, Frank Ssebufu
Officials
Leader of Delegation- Rogers Mulindwa
Head Coach – Milutin Sredojevic
Assistant Coach – Moses Basena
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Fitness Coach – Arthur Kyesimira
Performance Coach – Franck Plaine
Video Analyst – Behilil Moussa Elhadj
Team Manager – Geoffrey Massa
National Teams Officer/ Advance Party – Paul Mukatabala
Team Doctor- Emmanuel Nakabago
Team Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Equipment Manager – Samuel Mulondo
Equipment Manager – Ayub Balyejjusa
Team Media Officer – Stephen Mayamba
FUFA Tv – Ezrah Balaba
FUFA Tv – Umar Ssegane
FUFA Staff – Jarvis Ahumuza
FUFA Delegate – Jamal Ngobi
FUFA Delegate – Walter Okello
