As the rest of the football world goes into an international break, Uganda Cranes is also preparing to face off agaisnt Mali and Zambia in the coming days. On Monday, interim Cranes coach Morley Byekwaso Ochama released a 24man squad to represent the team in the friendlies.
The team had to first undergo an intense four days training at East High Kisasi pitch, before the coach (Byekwaso) announced the team he was traveling with. Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and Halidi Lwaliwa are the only two foreign based players who traveled with the rest of the team from Uganda, the rest will join in from their respective clubs.
The team landed in Bamako-Mali in the wee hours of Tuesday, and are residing at MICASA Hotel. Cranes will play against Mali on Friday, 13th October at Stade du Mars in Bamako, after which the team will fly to Dubai, United Arab Emirates where they will camp as they prepare to play agaiambia on Tuesday, 17th October 2023 at Hamriya Stadium.
Gavin Kizito, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Khalid Aucho, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa among others are the 24 players called up to represent the nation for the two games. Below is a full breakdwon of the entire 24 man 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, Egypt), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Lawrence Tezikya (BUL FC, Uganda), Rogers Kassim Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey)
