The Cranes drew 0-0 with KCCA FC in a build-up game played at Lugogo on Wednesday. (Photo/Courtesy)
CHAN 2020 Qualifiers-Second Round (Return Leg)
Uganda vs Burundi
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Saturday, 19-10-2019 @4pm
The Uganda Cranes team currently preparing to take on Burundi in the return leg of the 2020 CHAN qualifiers were on Wednesday held to a goalless draw by KCCA FC.
Unlike the usually exciting brand of football attributed to Abdallah Mubiru’s sides, the Cranes failed to light up the occasion in what one can only describe as a dull encounter.
However, they had several half chances but the likes of Saidi Kyeyune, Ashraf Mandela and Viane Sekajugo could not finish them off.
After the game, Mubiru did not seem to be bothered by the fact his side failed to score.
“The team is very positive and everyone is working hard, noted Mubiru.
“Yes we did not score in our first trial game but we are not worried because we kept on changing the team and some players ended up playing for just 30 minutes so it was hard to pick momentum. We managed the game well.
“Much as it is not our target on Saturday but a goalless draw would be enough for us to qualify.
“The good thing is that we created some good chances and hopefully we can put them away against Burundi.
“Our concentration will be on trying to correct some mistakes so as we are good to go by Saturday.”
The Cranes currently lead the tie after defeating Burundi 3-0 in the first leg last month.
They are attempting to reach a fifth consecutive CHAN tournament.
After losing to Tanzania in the second round of qualification and in the process, failing to reach the first edition of the finals in 2009, the Cranes have not failed to seal a spot in any of the last four finals (2011, 2014, 2016 and 2018).
To reach the last edition in Morocco, Uganda defeated South Sudan 5-1 on aggregate in the first round of qualifiers before hanging on to overcome Rwanda 3-2 in the second round.
For Burundi, they are attempting to reach a second CHAN finals’ tournament having done so in South Africa 2014 where they were eliminated in the group stages after finishing third in Group D.
To reach the second round, Uganda took care of Somali while Burundi eliminated South Sudan.
The Cranes have been training in a non-residential setting but are expected to enter camp on Thursday after the morning session at Lugogo.
Burundi national football team is expected in the country I Friday afternoon aboard Uganda Airlines.
The list of players training ahead of the game
Goalkeepers
Charles Lukwago (KCCA), James Alitho (URA), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume)
Defenders
Paul Willa (Police), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Arafat Galiwango (Police), John Revita (KCCA), Mustapha Kizza (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Mbowa (URA), Mustafa Mujuzi (Proline)
Midfielders
Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Said Kyeyune (URA), Yusuf Ssozi (Police), David Owori (SC Villa), Kirizestom Ntambi (Wakiso Giants), Allan Okello (KCCA), Shafique Kagimu (URA), Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants), Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Bright Anukani (Proline), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City)
Strikers
Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Dan Sserunkuma (Vipers), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers SC).
