Uganda Cranes start post-Micho era today against Mali

Bamako, Mali | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Cranes start the post-Micho era today with an international friendly match with Mali during the FIFA international break at Stade du Mars in Bamako.

FUFA terminated Cranes Coach Milutin Sredojević Micho’s contract last month following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in which Uganda finished in third place with seven points.

Morley Byekwaso, the former KCCA FC Coach was appointed as the interim head coach for a one-month period.

The team that Byekwaso summoned just hours before his appointment has been in preparations for two friendly games starting with Mali.

Byekwaso has deviated from Micho’s approach by giving preference to local-based players over their foreign counterparts. He has also handed first-ever national team call-ups to several players.

However, the squad faced a setback when senior goalkeeper Ismail Watenga sustained an injury during a training session, rendering him unavailable for the match.

With Watenga sidelined, the team is left with only two goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa from BUL and the promising talent Jack Komakech from Vipers.

It is yet to be known whether the goalkeeper will be available for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia, scheduled for next Tuesday in Dubai.

Speaking ahead of the game, Byekwaso said that the players are focused to face Mali knowing that it is an organized side which they have to pick many lessons from.

The team has Goalkeepers including Isma Bin Rashid Watenga, Joel Mutakubwa, and Jack Komakech. Defenders include Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Semakula, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Ibrahim Juma, Halidi Lwaliwa, Livingstone, Hudu Mulikyi, and Enock Walusimbi .

The Midfielders include Khalid Aucho, Rogers Mugisha, Elvis Ngonde, Bright Anukani, Laban Tibiita, Ibrahim Kasule, and Arafat Kizza Usama while forwards include Milton Karisa, Richard Basangwa, Denis Omedi, Lawrence Tezikya, and Rogers Kassim Mato.

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