Vipers’ defender named captain for Uganda Cranes CHAN team as final squad is revealed

Uganda Cranes Head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named his final squad for the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020 Finals slated to take place in Cameroon from 16th January to 7th February 2021.

“It hasn’t been an easy task as it took us coaches over two hours to decide on the final list and I must say it’s unfortunate for some players because we believe they have been good as well.”

McKinstry said as he confirmed the final squad

The named squad includes four KCCA FC players who have not been part of the Uganda cranes Squad in the ongoing Pre-CHAN Mini Tournament in Cameroon, this comes moments after their club was eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup tournament by Rwandan side AS Kigali on away goals rule despite winning 3-1 in the second leg game played yesterday at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

The four KCCA FC players are Brian Aheebwa, Bright Anukani, Denis Iguma plus custodian Charles Lukwago and they are expected to leave the country for Cameroon on Friday 8th January 2021 so as to join the rest of the team ahead of the final tournament.

McKinstry also confirmed that Vipers SC defender and skipper Halid Lwaliwa will Captain the team and will be assisted by other experienced players.

Meanwhile, four players who are currently part of the Uganda cranes Squad in the ongoing Pre-CHAN Mini Tournament in Cameroon are expected to return home immediately the Pre-CHAN Mini Tournament ends after being left out of the final squad.

The four are last season’s Startimes Uganda premier league top-scorer Steven Mukwala (URA FC), Ashraf Mandela (URA FC),Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants) and Joseph Ssemuju (BUL FC)

THE FINAL 25 MAN UGANDA CRANES SQUAD WITH CLUBS AND SHIRT NUMBERS IN BRACKETS

Goalkeepers: Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC, 1), Mutakubwa Joel (Kyetume FC, 18), Alionzi Legason Nafian (URA FC, 19)Ikara Tom (Police C, 20)

Defenders: Hassan Muhamud (Police FC, 2), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (Vipers SC, 3), Mujuzi Musitafa (Kyetume FC, 4), Ssenjobe Eric (Police FC, 5), Iguma Denis (KCCA FC, 12), Willa Paul (Vipers SC, 15), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC, 21), Mbowa Paul Patrick (URA FC, 24)

Midfielders: Mawejje Tonny (Police FC, 6), Kagimu Shafik Kuchi (URA FC, 8), Anukani Bright (KCCA FC, 14), Kyeyune Saidi (URA FC, 16), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC, 22), Watambala Abdu Karim (Vipers SC, 25)

Forwards: Ojera Joackiam (URA FC, 7), Brian Aheebwa (KCCA FC, 9), Ocen Ben (Police FC, 10), Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants FC, 11), Orit Ibrahim (Vipers SC, 13), Jagason Muhammad Shaban (Vipers SC, 17), Karisa Milton (Vipers SC, 23)

The Cranes currently in Yaounde, are playing Niger today (Thursday 7th January 202) in the final game of the Pre-CHAN Mini Tournament before travelling to Douala on Friday 8th January 2021, where they will hold another training camp for one week ahead of the group stage matches.

Uganda is in Group C with defending champions Morocco, neighbours Rwanda and new comers Togo in this edition’s CHAN tournament.

UGANDA CRANES GROUP FIXTURE

Uganda Cranes will get their CHAN campaign underway against Rwanda on 18th January 2021 before meeting Togo on January 21st and wrapping their Group C campaign against defending champions Morocco on 26th January 2021.

NOTE

Only locally based players are eligible to represent their respective nations in the Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) tournament.