International Build-up Game
Turkmenistan vs Uganda
New York University, Abu Dhabi
Sunday, 08-06-2019 @7pm
ABU DHABI – The Uganda Cranes will take on Turkmenistan in the first of their two build-up games ahead of the 2019 AFCON later this month.
Sebastian Desabre’s side have been camped in Abu Dhabi for close to two weeks, undertaking several training sessions.
Mike Azira’s arrival of Friday night took the tally of players currently in camp up to 27, one shy of the earlier summoned total, with only Charles Lukwago yet to join.
However, only 26 will be available for selection after Vipers midfielder Moses Wasswa suffered a terrible knee injury which automatically ruled him out of the rest of the camp and AFCON, too.
The match against Turkmenistan is one which Desabre and his technical team will use to make their final judgment on who will make the final 23 man team for AFCON.
Prior to the game, the Frenchman argued the players to try and convince him so as they are selected among the final 23.
“Everything is moving on very well but I don’t expect any one of you to relax, Desabre told the players.
“We have two friendly matches on 9th and 15th June before we fly out to Egypt.
“Give me every reason to pick you in the final squad.
“The mind and body of each player in camp must remain focused to make my work very easy when selecting the final team.
Desabre and his staff are expected to name the final 23 man team on Monday, June 10th, four days before they take on Ivory Coast in the final build up game.
The game against Turkmenistan comes just days after Uganda Cranes kits-manager Saidi Lugolobi passed away.
The loyal national team savant was pronounced dead on Friday after being bed ridden for a while now.
Before the game, the team are expected to hold a moment of silence in the memory of Lugolobi.
For Turkmenistan, they are gearing up for the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers which start later this year.
They arrived in Abu Dhabi at the start of the week and have been undertaking intense training ever since.
However, they have been bothered by injuries to three of thwir kwy players and ut remains to be seen whether any of them will feature. Forward Murad Yakshiyev, midfielder Ruslan Mingazov and defender Zafar Babajanov, are the three who have been struggling with injures.
The Uganda Cranes players currently in camp
Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Saddam Juma, Moses Waiswa (INJURED), Murushid Jjuuko, Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Farouk Miya, Kizito Luwaga, Salim Jamal, Alexis Bbakka, Abdu Lumala, Allan kateregga, Nicholas Wadada, Emmanuel Okwi, Ronald Mukiibi, Robert Odongokara, Mike Azira.
Officials in Abu Dhabi
Leader of Delegation – Issa Magola
Head Coach – Sebastien Desabre
Assistant Coach – Matia Lule
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor – Ronald Kisolo
Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein
Physical Fitness Trainer – Jerome D’Antonio
Kits Managers – Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa
