New Uganda Coach Names His First Squad

Uganda Cranes’ new coach Johnathan McKinstry has named his first squad that will participate in an international friendly against Ethiopia on 13^th October.

Turkey-based striker Farouk Miya will not be available as he has requested to be left out due to club engagements.

McKinstry has retained most of the players that featured for the nation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with captain Dennis Onyango leading that list.

“The squad that has been summoned is largely reflective of the team that was selected for the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The primary reason is to allow myself to get to know the players, start building relationships with them and access their qualities in a training environment,” the coach said.

A notable inclusion in the squad is 21-year-old midfielder Moses Opondo who turns for Danish side, Odense.

Godfrey Walusimbi, Allan Kateregga and goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola have been left aside although they have been regular under past Cranes coaches.

The team will assemble in Addis Ababa before travelling to Bahrdar town where the match will be played.

Cranes will be using the international friendly match as part of preparations for the two AFCON 2021 qualifiers coming up in November 2019.

Full Squad:

Full Squad Summoned:

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (Horoya AC, Guinea)

Defenders: Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Denis Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu (FK Ostesunds, Sweden), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Jeddah FC, Saudi Arabia), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe), Isaac Muleme (TP Mazembe), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania)

Midfielders: Michael Azira (Chicago Fire, USA), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Tadeo Lwanga (Tanta, Egypt), Khalid Aucho (El Meskir, Egypt), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids, Egypt), Moses Opondo (FC Odense, Denmark), William Luwagga Kizito (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazakhstan), Milton Karisa (Oujda, Egypt),

Strikers: Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkhane, Egypt), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Al Ittihad, Egypt)