CHAN2016: Group D – Tues, 19th January 2016 Mali Vs Uganda – Umuganda Stadium, Rubavu Kick-off: 6 p.m (Rwanda), 7 p.m (Uganda) Follow Live updates of Kawowo Sports (Facebook & Twitter)
Hours to the long anticipated kick off for Uganda Cranes’ 2016 African Nations Championship campaign against West Africans, Mali, the head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named an attack minded team.
A bulk of the team that featured in the team’s two build up games against Gabon and Cameroon make the starting line up. Towering goalie, Ismail Watenga is maintained in the goal posts with the two KCCA F.C full backs starting the game.
Robust Denis Okot Oola starts in the right back role as Joseph Ochaya will orchestrate the left. URA F.C’s Richard Kasagga Jjuuko and Bright Stars F.C skipper, Bernard Muwanga will play the central defensive roles as Timothy Denis Awany, usually played as a center half at his local club, KCCA F.C will play the anchorman’s role in the absence of the seasoned Ivan Ntege (suspended for the game).
Inspirational midfielder, Faruku Miya will once again be tasked to skipper the side as provide the much needed leadership on the field of play. Defensive midfielder Ivan Ntege misses out due to suspension.
Ntege, one of the three survivors from the 2014 CHAN team in the 3rd edition which was hosted in South Africa accumulated two bookings in the qualifiers in games against Sudan.
Teenage forward, Edirisa Lubega who was drifted into the final squad at the 11th hour at the expense of the injured Francis Olaki is among the substitute players named ready to be introduced at the later stages of the game.
This is Uganda Cranes’ third CHAN time of calling at the tournament reserved for only the locally bred talent, that play in the respective domestic leagues on the continent. Uganda was drawn in group D alongside Mali, Zimbabwe and 2012 AFCON champions, Zambia.
Uganda XI: Ismail Watenga (G.K), Denis Okot, Joseph Ochaya, Bernard Muwanga, Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Timothy Dennis Awany, Erisa Ssekisambu, Kezironi Kizito, Faruku Miya (C), Samson Ceasar Okhuti, Robert Sentongo
Subs: James Alitho (G.K), Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Isaac Muleme, Ambrose Kirya, Martin Kiiza, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Frank Kalanda, Edirisa Lubega, Muzamiru Mutyaba and Hassan Wasswa Dazzo
Suspended: Ivan Ntege