The Uganda Cranes team is in Nairobi ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group E qualifier against the hosts Kenya on Thursday.
Twenty players who left the Bahir Dar base were joined by Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Mustapha Kizza (CF Montréal, Canada), and Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt) in Nairobi.
Team captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi expressed readiness to face Kenya in the traditional derby encounter.
“We are set to face Kenya in this do or die game. We need maximum points to have a good start in the qualifiers,” Okwi told the media.
Head coach Milutin Micho Sredojevic anticipates an explosive match that will be determined by the slightest details.
“This will be one more episode of unending derby between Uganda and Kenya. I am happy to be coming here in Nairobi. It is a measurement of test and character. It will be a very tough match. There is too much at stake. It is very hard to play against players that you know,” Micho said.
“We shall be playing a team that has very big advantage. Our league is in recess because of the off season. It will be a match where small details will decide. We shall be doing everything that those details go our way,” Micho noted.
Team in Kenya
Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Chippa United, South Africa), Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda), Joel Mutakubwa (Express, Uganda)
Defenders: Enock Walusimbi (Express, Uganda), Joseph Benson Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Express, Uganda), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City, Uganda), Denis Iguma (KCCA, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Mustapha Kizza (CF Montréal, Canada)
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (Super Sport United, South Africa), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers, Uganda),
Forwards: Yunus Sentamu (Vipers, Uganda), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi – Captain, Richard Basangwa (Vipers, Uganda), Steven Desse Mukwala (URA, Uganda), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt)
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier (Group E)
Kenya Harambee Stars Vs Uganda Cranes
Thursday, 2nd September 2021 – Nyayo International Stadium, Nairobi
Uganda Cranes’ second game will be played on 6th Sept against Mali in Kitende.
