MENGO – The Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry has summoned 20 foreign based players ahead of the AFCON qualifiers double header against South Sudan.
The North Irishman announces the squad in a press conference at FUFA House in Mengo on Thursday, October 20.
Jayden Onen, Allan Katerega and Bevis Mugabi are the surprise omissions from the players that travelled to Dubai for a training camp earlier this month.
Mugabi has been left out due to injury however, reasons for Katerga and Onen’s exclusions remain un known.
Derrick Nsibambi who missed the Dubai-Camp returns to the fold while Uche Ipeazu is in line to make his debut.
The summoned team consists of two goal keepers, six defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards.
To complete the team, some local based players will be added to the fold following assessment of their preparedness by the Cranes technical team.
Speaking on Thursday, McKinstry said that he expects stiff competition from South Sudan.
“We expect South Sudan to be at a good level and offers us stiff competition. He said.
“They are currently in camp, something we have not had the privilege to do due to the busy schedule of our players.
“The good thing is that the players we have on our senior team are playing competitive football and expect them to offer us a very good showing so as to win the games.”
Uganda will face South Sudan in Kampala on the 9th of November before making the short trip to Juba for the second game, seven days later.
The Cranes are currently top of their qualifying group with four points from two games.
The 20 foreign based players that have been summoned
Goalkeepers
Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal, Sudan).
Defenders
Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds FK, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Timothy Denis Awany (Sport Club Ironi Ashdod, Israel), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, Democratic Republic of Congo), Alex Kakuba (CD Cova, Portugal), Elvis Bwomono (Southend, England).
Midfielders
Michael Azira (Chicago Fire, USA), Khalid Aucho (Misr Lel Makasa, Egypt) Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Allan Okello (Paradou, Algeria).
Forwards
Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt)
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Alexis Bbakka (Carlstad United BK, Sweden), Fahad Bayo (Vipers, Uganda), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor, Turkey), William Kizito Luwagga (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazahstan), Uche Ikpeazu (Wycombe, England), Edirisa Lubega (Paide Linnameeskond, Estonia)
