SC Villa skipper Steven Bengo and SC Victoria University’s attacking midfielder Ibrahim Saddam Juma won’t be part of Uganda Cranes squad for the forthcoming Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup after being dropped by Coach Bobby Williamson.
The duo was not named on Williamson’s final 20 man list that will be tasked with defending the crown the Uganda Cranes won last year in Dar es Salaam after beating Rwanda 3-2 on penalties.
Though it comes as a surprise to many a Ugandan soccer fan, Bengo has not been doing well for his club in the FUFA Super League (FSL) and played just half of the game as SC Villa lost 1-0 to bogey side Masaka LC a week ago. However, Saddam has been doing well for Victoria University scoring crucial goals for the University side.
Viper’s Joseph Mpande and URA FC’s Said Kyeyune (who replaced Feni Ali on the team) were picked ahead of the duo.
Another surprise exclusion from the list is URA FC custodian Yasin Mugabi as SCVU’s Ali Kimera was named ahead of him as the third keeper alongside Abel Dhaira and Hamza Muwonge.
Other players that didn’t make the final squad are Proline FC’s left fullback Simon Namwanja and midfielder Robert Omunuk.
Uganda is pooled in group A together with rivals Kenya, Ethiopia and debutants South Sudan and open their campaign with Harambe Stars on Saturday November 24th at Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
Full squad:
Goal keepers: Ali Kimera (SCVU), Hamza Muwonge (Vipers SC) and Abel Dhaira (IBV, Iceland)
Defenders: Denis Guma (SCVU), Nicholas Wadada (Vipers SC), Godfrey Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Henry Kalungi (Railwaharks, US), Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia) and Wasswa Hassan (Free)
Midfielders: Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Geoffrey Baba Kizito (Sai Gon, Vietnam), Joseph Mpande (Vipers SC), Manko Kawesa (SC VU), Moses Oloya (Sai Gon, Vietnam) and Brian Majwega (KCC FC)
Strikers: Robert Ssentongo (URA FC), Emma Okwi (Simba, TZ), Hamis Diego Kiiza (Yanga FC, TZ) and Brian Umony (KCC FC)