June 1, Tripoli International Stadium
Libya Vs Uganda @ 6.30pm EAT
Uganda Cranes renew acquaintances with familiar opponents Libya in an international friendly game slated for Saturday evening at the Tripoli International Stadium in what will be Micho’s maiden game in charge of the team.
The Serb who replaced sacked Bobby Williamson has a 22 man squad from which to pick the Crème de la Crème having spent just a week with the squad.
The team landed safely in Libya and the boys are in buoyant mood ahead of the clash.
Stand in skipper Abel Dhaira is expected to start between the posts with Ali Kimera and first choice Denis Onyango waiting on the bench.
Denis Guma and Joseph Ochaya are expected to man the right and left full back positions respectively with Ivan Bukenya and Israel Emuge who return to the Cranes fold for the first time since 2011 and 2005 respectively marshalling the central defence.
Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Moses Oloya and William Luwagga Kizito who was the last player to join the team on Friday afternoon from his base in Portugal are expected in midfield with Vietnam based Henry Kisekka and Hamis Kiiza starting upfront.
Nevertheless, uncapped players like Herman Wasswa, Richard Kasagga and Alex Kakuba are expected to make their debuts while Gor Mahia forward Daniel Sserunkuma and SC Victoria University defender Savio Kabugo who made their debuts against Rwanda early this year are also expected to have a run in.
DID YOU KNOW?
-The two nations last met in 2008 in an international friendly which ended 1-1 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
-The game marks Mulitin Sredojevic’s first assignment as Cranes coach since his appointment.
-The previous three Cranes coaches have failed to win their first game. Mohammed Abbas lost 0-1 at home to South Africa in 2005, Csaba Laszlo drew 0-0 with Rwanda and Bobby Williamson lost 1-3 away to Niger.
– Six of Cranes 22 players in Libya are debutantes. These are Herman Wasswa, Richard Kasagga, Israel Emuge, William Luwagga Kizito, Alex Kakuba and Ali Kimera.
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Cranes probable line up: Abel Dhaira (CPT), Denis Guma, Ivan Bukenya, Israel Emuge, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Moses Oloya, William Luwagga Kizito, Hamis Kiiza and Henry Kisekka.
Substitutes: Denis Onyango, Ali Kimera, Savio Kabugo, Nicholas Wadada, Dan Sserunkuma, Joseph Mpande, Said Kyeyune, Richard Kasagga, Alex Kakuba, Herman Wasswa and Musa Mudde