Uganda Cranes conclude training camp in Abu Dhabi, depart for Egypt

The Uganda Cranes concluded their three-week training camp on Sunday, 16th June 2019 in Abu Dhabi well in time of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

During the three weeks, the technical team led by head coach Sebastien Desabre assessed each of the 27 summoned players before trimming the list down to the final 23 required at the tournament.

The team also doubled their training regime, often punctuated by gym sessions, physical drills, functional training, ball work and game situations as they polished up.

Uganda Cranes also played two international friendly matches against Asian country Turkmenistan and West African giants Ivory Coast.

Against Turkmenistan, the game ended goalless before winning 1-0 against Ivory Coast.

The training camp was very useful for further drilling and ASSESSMENT of the players. we used it for bonding purposes and geling to know more about each other. IT WAS USEFUL AND IMPORTANT THAT WE ALSO PLAYED TWO INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCHES, DRAWING AND WINNING ONE APIECE

Sebastien Desabre, Head Coach Uganda Cranes

Three players made their debut while on this three-week camp. The trio is Swedish based and these are; Abdu Lumala and Alexis David Bbakka who made their debut against Turkmenistan whilst Ronald Brian Mukiibi Ddungu made his debut against Ivory Coast.

The team is expected to arrive in Egypt on Monday and will check in at the official team hotel in Cairo.

Uganda Cranes is housed in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda will open up the campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, 22nd June 2019 at Cairo International Stadium.

Then, on 26th, they will battle Zimbabwe before winding up with the hosts Egypt on 30th June 2019.

Uganda Cranes final 23 man Team:

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal-Sudan), Robert Odongkara (Adama City, Ethiopia)

Defenders: Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Brian Ronald Ddungu Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Bevis Mugabi (Yeovil Town, England), Isaac Muleme (FK Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Un attached), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Timothy Denis Awanyi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Un-attached)

Midfielders:  Mike Azira (Montreal Impact, Canada), Allan Kateregga (Maritzburg, South Africa), William Kizito Luwagga (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazakhstan), Khalid Aucho (Church Hill Brothers, India), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica, Croatia), Abdul Lumala (Syrianska, Sweden), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC-Uganda)

Strikers: Patrick Henry Kaddu (KCCA FC, Uganda), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC Uganda), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania)