Micho has dropped some surprise names as he named the final 23 man squad to represent Uganda at the CHAN tournament.
The Serbian had carried a 25 man squad to Tunisia enroute to Algeria.
It’s here after a couple of friendlies that Micho selected his final 23 man squad.
The dropped players are Vipers teammates Siraje Ssentamu and Najib Yiga.
The decision to drop the duo was handed to Micho on a silver platter as both suffered injuries.
Speaking about the duo, Micho said that although it was a tough decision, it had to be done because there were factors beyond his control.
“It’s tough for any coach to release players who have been part of the training for long but factors beyond our control, can’t allow us to take Yiga and Ssentamu to Algeria. Both players will remain part of our future plans with the AFCON qualifiers coming up in March.”
“Because of injuries, two of our players are not able to join us for the competitive assignments ahead of us.”
“It is a huge setback but I believe they will be behind the team in pray and support from home where they are going to recover and bounce back strong.”
“I am more than satisfied after being together with the group and believe we have done a very good job and polishing what we have already done is what we are going to be doing in the remaining days.”
Full squad list named by Micho;
Uganda Cranes’ 23-man squad
Goalkeepers: Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC)
Defenders: Ashraf Mandela (Vipers SC), Issa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Gift Fred (SC Villa), James Begisa (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Geoffrey Wasswa (KCCA FC)
Midfielders: Marvin Joseph Youngman (Vipers SC), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC), Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC)
Forwards: Nelson Ssenkatuka (Bright Stars FC), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC), Frank Sebufu (Wakiso Giants FC), Rogers Mato (KCCA FC), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC)
The Cranes meanwhile failed to win a single game in the three build up matches played in the friendlies.
They recorded a 2-2 draw against Sudan, 1-1 draw against Cameroon and 0-0 against Mali.
The Cranes will start their CHAN campaign against DR Congo on 14th Saturday.
They are placed in Group B alongside DR Congo, Ivory Coast and Senegal.
