2021 Afcon Qualifier: Uganda Cranes leaves for Malawi

Uganda Cranes delegation of 23 players and 15 officials left for Blantyre – Malawi on Sunday morning aboard a Uganda Airlines chartered plane ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations –Afcon group B final game against The Flames, slated for March 29.
Fufa Referees’ boss and Executive Committee Member – Ronnie Kalema led the delegation that has federation supremo, Eng. Moses Magogo, vice, Justus Mugisha as well as Rasoul Ariga. Dr. James Ssekajugo and National Teams Officer, Paul Mukatabala had travelled earlier as an advance team.
Coach Abdallah Mubiru told this reporter, early on Sunday and before departure that every member on the team was aware of the task ahead of them.
“We had targeted to seal our mission (of qualifying) with a win against Burkina Faso in Kampala but we failed. So, everybody on the team knows what is at stake, going into the final game against Malawi.
“The job has to be completed, away in Malawi and its everyone’s prayers – we aren’t taking any chances,” said Mubiru.
Uganda needs a draw against Malawi to qualify from group B besides Burkina Faso who confirmed their 2022 delayed finals in Cameroon, following a goalless draw last Wednesday at Kitende.
The Cranes will later on Sunday train at the 40,000 capacity Kamuzu Stadium ahead of the game on Monday, scheduled for t 4:00pm.
Mubiru listed the players on duty as skipper Denis Onyango as well as Salim Magoola. Others are Joseph Ochaya, Nicolas Wadada, Murushid Juuko, Ronald Mukiibi, Mustafa Kizza Halid Lwaliwa, Mike Azira and Taddeo Lwanga. Also on the team are; Bobosi Byaruhanga, Farooq Miya, Allan Okello, Moses Waiswa, Abdu Lumala, Kizito Luwaga, Emma Okwi, Gervin Mugweri, Mathias Kigonya, Yunus Sentamu Dan Isiagi, Charles Lukwago and Ibrahim Orit.
Officials;
Leader of Delegation: Ronnie Kalema
Head coach: Abdallah Mubiru
Assistant Coach: Livingstone Mbabazi
Goalkeepers’ Coach: Fred Kajoba
Team Doctors: Yahya Katumba and Emmanuel Nakabago
Team Nutritionist/Fitness Trainer: Felix Ayobo
Covid -19 Officer- Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe
Team Coordinator: Geoffrey Massa
Media Officer: Stephen Mayamba
Kits men: Ayub Balyejusa and Samuel Mulondo
Fufa fm Commentator – Reagan Mulekeezi