Uganda Cranes will today face off with hosts Uzbekistan in the 2022 Navruz cup final in a highly anticipated battle at the Navbahor Stadium in Namangan, Uzbekistan.
Uganda edged Tajikistan 5-4 on penalties in the semifinal after a 1-1 draw in normal time. A huge fixture awaits the Uganda Cranes as they will face the home team with the backing of the fans in the stands.
The Milutin Sredojevic coached side will also have to negotiate this tie without out injured inspirational midfielder Khalid Aucho who is not in shape (injury) and custodian Charles Lukwago who returned to his Ethiopian based club St. George.
Fred Kajoba who handles the goalkeeping department will have to make a choice between Benjamin Ochan and Allionzi Nafian for the starting role between the posts.
The hosts Uzbekistan will put all their hopes in forward skipper Eldor Shomurodov who turns out for Italian giants AS Roma.
Shomurodov was inspirational when Uzbekistan came from a goal down to eject Kyrzstan 3-1 in the semifinal scoring one of the goals.
There will be competition for positions in the Uganda team especially the left back position between Azizi Kayondo and Herbert Achai, right back position occupied by Allan Kyambadde in the last game but UPDF’s James Begisa also stands a chance.
Both sides are using the mini tournament to prepare for the 2023 Asian cup Qualifiers (Uzbekistan) and 2023 Ivory Coast AFCON Qualifiers (Uganda).
Date: Tuesday 29th March 2022
Uzbekistan vs Uganda Cranes
Venue: Navbahor Stadium
Time: 5pm (EAT)
