AFCON 2019
Senegal vs Uganda
Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
Friday, 05-06-2019
After what will go down as one of the craziest 24 hours in Ugandan football, the Uganda Cranes returned to duty late Wednesday night.
The team had on Tuesday refused to train claiming they had to be paid a sum of $6000, for reaching the last 16 at the on-going 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
After FUFA initially claiming that they did not owe players any money as per a ‘code of conduct’ the two parties signed before starting preparations, the federation finally succumbed to pressure on Wednesday evening.
Two emergency meetings where held, one in Cairo and the other in Kampala, with the Federation and team officials accepting to pay the extra $6000 that the players claimed to be owed.
By 7pm (EAT) time, each player had been assured he would be getting his money for reaching the last 16 but that was not all as it took up to three more hours for them (players) to make up their minds.
While inside their hotel, the players are understood to have held a three hour long meeting with the agenda and contents remaining a mystery.
They then boarded the bus and moved to the training ground where they held a session which will help boost their fitness ahead of Thursday’s last training.
However, Wednesday’s training was missed by vice captain Hassan Wasswa Mawanda.
The center back is understood to have had one of his teeth removed, forcing him to seat out the session.
Uganda is gearing to take on Senegal on Friday after sealing a round of 16 spot this past Sunday despite losing 0-2 against Egypt in their last group game.
The Cranes finished second in Group with 4 points, following a 2-0 victory over DR Congo and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.
For Senegal, they finished second in Group C, winning two and losing only one game.
The Lions of Teranga defeated Kenya 3-0, Tanzania 2-0 but lost to Algeria 0-1 during their group fixtures.
Uganda and Senegal last faced off in an international friendly back in 2017, drawing 0-0.
The players who trained on Wednesday night
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, Salim Jamal Magoola
Defenders
Nico Wakiro Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Muleme, Bevis Mugabi, Murushid Juuko, Ronald Mukiibi, Timothy Awany, Joseph Ochaya
Midfielders
Mike Azira, Abdu Lumala, Tadeo Lwanga, William Luwagga, Khalid Aucho, Allan Kateregga
Forwards
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Farouk Miya, Derrick Paul Nsibambi, Allan Kyambadde.
