Kenneth Ssmakula and Halid Lwaliwa to miss Cranes AFCON clash against South Africa
August 28, 2024
The Cranes players aline up at Namboole as they lost to Algeria June 10 2024.(Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)
Due to visa complications, Uganda Cranes will be without defenders Halid Lwaliwa and Kenneth Semakula for their opening 2025 AFCON qualification match against South Africa.
However, for the second game at Namboole versus Congo Brazzaville, both players will be eligible.
During the transfer window, Semakula and Lwaliwa just joined Al Ain, a Saudi Arabian team, and Club Africain, a formidable Tunisian team.
Owing to their corresponding ailments, Allan Kyambadde, Moses Opondo, Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu, and Isaac Ssewankambo were not included in the 28-man roster.
In the meantime, the selected team will leave for South Africa on August 31 in order to get ready for the first encounter at Orlando Stadium on September 6 against the 1996 AFCON champions.
Full Summoned Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa)
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), James Begisa (URA FC, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Sloven Liberec, Czech Republic), Joseph Ochaya (Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC, Egypt), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Elio Capradossi (Unattached), Halid Lwaliwa (Al Ain, Saudi Arabia), Arnold Odongo (SC Villa, Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga Africans, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II FC, USA), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Joackiam Ojera (Al Mokawloon Al Arab Sc, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Hilal Benghazi, Libya), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica, North Macedonia)