Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, is gearing up for two crucial friendly matches against Comoros and Ghana in Morocco, set to take place during the FIFA international window from March 18 to 26, 2024.
Coach Paul Put revealed the squad of 26 players selected for these fixtures, emphasizing the team’s readiness for the upcoming challenges.
However, notable absences include captain Khalid Aucho and Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, who have been sidelined due to injuries.
Ahmed Hussein, the communications director of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), confirmed the team’s participation in these matches, stating that the Cranes will use the international break to fine-tune their strategies and assess their squad depth.
The first encounter is scheduled against Comoros on March 22, 2024, followed by a showdown with Ghana on March 26, 2024.
These matches are crucial for Uganda as they prepare for a packed international schedule, including qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the continuation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
In preparation for these fixtures, local players will join the squad immediately after the final matches of the Ugandan Premier League before the international break.
Meanwhile, players based abroad will directly travel to Morocco from their respective clubs.
The squad features a blend of domestic and international talent across various positions:
Goalkeepers:
– Tom Ikara (BUL FC / Uganda)
– Jack Komakech (Vipers SC / Uganda)
– Giousue Bellagambi (Huddersfield Town FC / England)
Defenders:
– Kenneth Semakkula (SC Villa / Uganda)
– Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC / Scotland)
– Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell FC / Scotland)
– Toby Sibbick (Hearts FC / Scotland)
– Hallidi Lwaliwa (Bregalinca STIP / North Macedonia)
– Timothy Awany (Ashdod FC / Israel)
– Denis Kaka Omony (Soltilo Bright Stars FC / Uganda)
– Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC / Uganda)
Midfielders:
– Allan Kyambadde (El Dakhleya / Egypt)
– Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa / Uganda)
– Ashraf Mugume (KCCA FC / Uganda)
– Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC / USA)
– Moses Opondo (AC Horsens / Denmark)
– Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC / Egypt)
Attackers:
– Milton Karisa (Vipers SC / Uganda)
– Denis Omedi (Kitara FC / Uganda)
– Rogers Kassim Mato (Brera Strumica / North Macedonia)
– Moses Aliro Okabo (URA FC / Uganda)
– Steven Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC / Ghana)
– Mohamad Shaban (KCCA FC / Uganda)
– Fahad Bayo (MFK Vyskov / Czech Republic)
– Carl James Mujaguzi (Athlone Town AFC / Ireland)
– Shafic Kakande (Soltilo Bright Stars FC / Uganda)
With the squad now finalized, Uganda Cranes fans eagerly await these crucial friendly matches, hoping for strong performances and positive results against their formidable opponents.
