AFCON 2015 Qualifiers: Uganda Trim Squad Ahead of Crucial Clash with Togo
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has trimmed his squad to 25 players ahead of the vital 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Togo, set for Saturday, October 11, at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
The Serbian tactician has made several changes, releasing KCCA defenders Richard Kasagga, Saidi Kyeyune, and Allan Kyambadde from the national camp. According to team officials, Kasagga was ruled out due to injury, while Kyeyune and Kyambadde did not make the final cut after failing to impress in recent training sessions.
Micho, who has been closely monitoring his players’ performances during daily training sessions at the Philip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, is now focusing on fine-tuning his tactical setup with the remaining squad. Training continues with both morning and afternoon sessions as Uganda seeks to solidify its position in Group E.
The Cranes go into the weekend encounter aiming to bounce back after a mixed start to their AFCON qualification campaign. A win against Togo would provide a significant boost in their quest to return to the continental stage for the first time since 1978.
Uganda will look to their experienced core for leadership, with team captain Andrew Mwesigwa set to marshal the defence. He is joined by regulars such as goalkeeper Denis Onyango and midfield anchor Tonny Mawejje. The attacking front is spearheaded by Geofrey Massa and Emmanuel Okwi, both of whom have delivered critical goals in recent fixtures.
The squad also includes a blend of home-based and foreign-based talent, with players from clubs across East Africa and beyond. Notably, Luwagga Kizito, who plies his trade in Portugal, adds a creative edge to the midfield, while Yunus Ssentamu and Dan Sserunkuma bring pace and flair in the final third.
Final 25-man Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ismail Watenga, Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, Benjamin Ochan
Defenders: Andrew Mwesigwa (captain), Denis Iguma, Martin Kizza, Geoffrey Walusimbi, Fred Nkata, Savio Kabugo, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde
Midfielders: Tonny Mawejje, Khalid Aucho, Baker Lukoya, Brian Majwega, Moses Oloya, Geoffrey Baba Kizito, Luwagga Kizito
Forwards: Emmanuel Okwi, Brian Umony, Karim Ndugwa, Dan Sserunkuma, Geofrey Massa, Yunus Ssentamu
With the home crowd expected to fill the stands in Namboole, Uganda will hope to use the atmosphere to their advantage. The Cranes are determined to capitalize on their home fixture before the return leg in Togo, with three crucial points on the line in a tightly contested group.
