Uganda Cranes interim head coach Abdallah Mubiru has confirmed 18 players that will travel to Burundi for the first leg of the second round of the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.
The team was named after days of intense residential training which climaxed with a friendly match against the Hippos that ended in a goalless draw.
Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Paul Mucureezi (Mbarara City, David Owori (SC Villa), Saidi Kyeyune, (URA FC) Mugabi Yasin (Wakiso Giants), Benson Tahomera (Kyetume FC) and Galiwango Arafat (Police FC) are the players who miss out on the final squad.
The most notable inclusion is KCCA FC forward Sulaiman Mike Mutyaba who last played for the Cranes in 2014 in a world cup qualifier match against Liberia. He had retired in February 2017 but made a U-turn in 2018 when called coach Mike Mutebi recalled him.
FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Mulindwa is the head of delegation.
Uganda Cranes eliminated Somalia in the first round of the qualifiers with a resounding 7-2 aggregate win.
The first leg will be played on 20th September in Bujumbura and the 2nd leg on 18th October 2019 in Kampala.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will qualify for the final tournament in 2020 that will be staged in Cameroon.
Uganda Cranes are seeking for their fifth appearance at the 16-team tournament, having played at four CHAN champions in 2011 (Sudan), 2014 (South Africa), 2016 (Rwanda) and lately 2018 (Morocco).
The competing national teams in this championship must be composed of only players playing in their domestic league. That is, a Ugandan player is only eligible to play for the Uganda Cranes if he is playing for a Ugandan club.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have won it twice, holding it the most times while Morocco are the defending champions.
The competition will be hosted between January and February 2020 in Cameroon. It is held after every two years.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alitho James, Charles Lukwago
Outfield players: Halid Lwaliwa, Mustafa Kizza, Paul Willa, John Revita, Paul Patrick Mbowa, Bright Anukani, Nicholas Kasozi, Musitafa Mujuzi, Shafiq Kagimu Kuchi, Allan Okello, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Yusuf Ssozi, Dan Muzeyi Serunkuma, Mike Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo Aziz, Viane Ssekajjugo
