Uganda Cranes and Denmark based striker Emmanual Okwi believes today’s game against Zimbabwe “presents a shot at redemption” for the national team after their dismal display against Burkina Faso a few months ago.
Uganda will face Zimbabwe in a friendly in Harare to be played on the Rufaro astro turf at 4pm (EAST, 3pm local time) in preparation for the upcoming Afcon 2017 qualifier against Botswana on June 4 in Francistown.
The Cranes need maximum points against Botswana and Comoros in September to guarantee a place in Gabon next January.
And SønderjyskE forward Okwi is expected to be one of 19 players to be given a kick about by Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic in the friendly is confident Cranes’ “great generational shift” will pay dividends in this campaign.
“Wearing the shirt of the national team is always beautiful and special, and it’ll be a hotly-disputed match against Zimbabwe,” he said before the team left on Monday.
“We have to give everything to the national team. Qualification this time looks realistic and we’re focused.
“I feel comfortable in any position that I’m put and playing where the Coach needs me.”
“We didn’t have a good game at Namboole, but the two next fixtures this week present a shot at redemption. There’s been a great atmosphere in the camp and we shall make Uganda happy.”
Coach Micho and technical team are yet to release details about his selection ahead of today’s match.
Cranes players in for Zim, Botswana games;
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara
Defenders: Denis Guma, Isaac Isinde, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Godfrey Walusimbi,
Midfielders: Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Khalid Aucho, Tony Mawejje, Yasser Mugerwa, Kizito Luwagga,
Forwards: Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Okwi, Erisa Ssekisambu, Davis Kasirye, Geoffrey Massa, Melvyn Lorenzen, Edris Lubega
