Thursday, 7 September 2023
•Niger Vs Uganda
Defender Bevis Mugabi has been included in Uganda Cranes provisional squad that will face Niger in the crucial AFCON Qualifiers next month.
The Motherwell defender last featured for the Cranes still against Niger in August last year, a 1-1 draw at Kitende, in this ongoing campaign.
He has since missed the double header against Tanzania and the ‘home’ loss against Algeria in Cameroon.
His absentia has mainly been due to limited time at Motherwell where he was sidelined due to injuries.
The 28-year old recently said: “Uganda is obviously my motherland, I’m sure my family and friends will be very happy if I was to get selected again.”
The former Yeovil defender missed three months of last season after picking a knee injury against Celtic, and he made just six appearances last season.
Mugabi made his Uganda Cranes debut on 24 March 2018 in a 3-1 friendly victory over São Tomé and Príncipe.
He has started both Motherwell games this season against Hibernian and Dundee FC.
Ibrahim ‘Owen’ Kasule is another big inclusion after his outstanding performances ever since joining USA based side New York Red Bulls II.
He has been a shinning star and was promoted to the senior team after involving in nine goals, scoring six and assisting three.
Kasule’s teammate Frank Sebuufu and Elvis Bwomono are also on the team.
FUFA has confirmed that the provisional squad of 33 players will enter residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi starting Monday, 28th August 2023
Uganda face Niger on 7th September at Grand Stade Marrakech in Morocco – Niger have no stadium approved by CAF to host International games.
The Uganda Cranes, third in Group F on 4 points, need a win against Niger and hope that Tanzania lose against Algeria, to qualify for AFCON due next year in Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Watenga Isima (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Magoola Salim Omar (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Lukwago Charles (Unattached), Alionzi Nafian (Unattached), Mutakubwa Joel (BUL FC, Uganda)
Defenders
Semakula Kenneth (SC Villa, Uganda), Begisa James (URA FC, Uganda), Muleme Isaac (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Awany Timothy (SC Ashdod, Israel), Lwaliwa Halidi (FK Bregalnica Stip, North Macedonia), Gift Fred (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Mugabi Bevis (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Musa Ramathan (VFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Wasswa Geofrey (Ethiopian Buna SC, Ethiopia), Bwomono Elvis (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (AC Leganes, Spain)
Midfielders
Aucho Khalid (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Austin FC, USA), Sentamu Siraje (Vipers SC, Uganda), Lwanga Taddeo (APR FC, Rwanda), Ndhondhi Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC, Uganda), Karisa Milton (Vipers SC, Uganda), Mutyaba Travis (SC Villa, Uganda), Mugulusi Isma (Feirense, Portugal), Mato Rogers (Sanliurfaspor, Turkey), Ochaya Joseph (Al Makawloon, Egypt), Miya Faruku (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Tibita Laban (URA FC, Uganda), Kasule Ibrahim (New York Red Bull II, USA)
Forwards
Okwi Emmanuel (Erbil SC, Iraq), Bayo Fahad (VFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Basangwa Richard (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Ssebufu Frank (New York Redbull II, USA)
