Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has announced a 30-man provisional squad to face Burkina Faso in a double header in Group D of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Serbian tactician, who led the Cranes to the finals of the 2016 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda, called up a majority of foreign-based players, including USA based MLS midfielder Mike Azira.
SC Vipers keeper James Alitho, former Swedish topflight football club Helsingborgs midfielder Mike Serumaga and star striker Ceasar Okhuti are among the 12 locally-based players included in the squad, while Proline FC’s young striker Edrisa Lubega has been handed a maiden senior call-up.
Cranes, who visit Burkina Faso on March 26 before hosting the return leg at Namboole on March 29, lead Group D of the qualifiers with a maximum six points. Botswana and Burkina Faso are tied on three points with Comoros last without a point after two games.
Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia), James Alitho (Vipers, Uganda), Salim Jamal (El Merriekh, Sudan)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (Al Itihad, Lebanon), Isaac Isinde (St George, Ethiopia), Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars, Uganda), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Denis Okot Oola (KCCA, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (SC Villa, Uganda), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Al Shorta, Iraq), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA, Uganda), Bernard Muwanga (Bright Stars, Uganda)Midfielders: Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, US), Aucho Khalid (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Moses Oloya(Becamex Binh Duong), Yassar Mugerwa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Tonny Mawejje (Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, Iceland), Ivan Ntege (KCCA, Uganda), William Luwagga Kizito (Feirense, Portugal), Mike Sserumaga (SC Villa, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium)
Forwards: Geofrey Massa (Bloemfontein Celtics, South Africa), Emmanuel Okwi (Sonderjsyke, Denmark), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers, Uganda), Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza (Simba, Tanzania), Ceasar Okhuti (KCCA, Uganda), Edrisa Lubega (Proline)
