CHAN 2024: Mucureezi Makes Return as Wasswa earn Cranes maiden call

Express Football club captain Emmanuel Wasswa is among the new faces considered by Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put in his provisional squad of 36 players ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The provisional squad released in press briefing held at FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala, also has teenagers Isma Magala, James Bogere, Brian Ijara and Charles Lwanga among the faces given the opportunity.

NEC FC on-form midfielder Paul Mucureezi has also been considered and has made a return to the Cranes fold.

The named squad comprises of four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders and 10 forwards.

James Bogere, Brian Ijara and Isma Magala both fresh from guiding the Uganda U17 National Team to AFCON qualification have also made the cut on the squad for CHAN 2024.

The team will start training on Friday, 10th January with non-residential training up to Sunday before entering residential camp on Monday next week at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.

According to Fufa.co.ug, the coach explained that the first three days will be about assessment before the group is reduced to 26.

“ We shall use Friday, Saturday and Sunday to access the players and then have 26 players thereafter. However, the players that will not remain in camp will continue following our programme to make sure they are ever on alert.” He said.

About the teenagers summoned, coach believes this is a good platform for them.

“I believe these players are capable and I wanted to give them an opportunity to train and compete at such a level. We have seen players at that age featuring for their senior team. Therefore, this is their chance to come and show their abilities.” Put added.

He also added that two international friendlies are lined up coming on the 17th January and a week later.

CHAN 2024 will take place between 1st -28th February 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC),Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Brian Ijara (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isma Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)

Forwards

Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)