Uganda to face Mali, Zambia in build-up ties ahead of Total Africa Nations Championship

Uganda will host a 3 – Nations tournament next month as they prepare for the 2020 Total Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Head coach Johnathan McKinstry said on Thursday that the 3-Nations tournament will take place March 17-21st in Kampala.

The tournament will feature Uganda Cranes, Zambia and Mali. “We are happy to have this trial tournament because it will help us gauge the players ahead of the CHAN tournament,” said head coach McKinstry.

The coach also announced a provisional squad to start preparations ahead of the 3 Nations tournament and the 2020 CHAN tournament. The tournament that brings together players featuring in their local respective Leagues will take place April 4-25th in Cameroon.

Uganda are placed in Group C along arch-rivals Rwanda, Togo and defending champions Morocco.

McKinstry maintained more than half of the players who won the 2019 regional CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup when they stopped Eritrea in the final last December.

None of the players invited to the squad featured for Uganda’s senior team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt.

Provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume FC), Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Saidi Keni (SC Villa), Edwin Kiwanuka Bbule (Bright Stars FC)

Defenders: Mustafa Kizza (KCCA), Derrick Ndahiiro (SC Villa), Herbert Achai (KCCA FC), Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA FC), Geofrey Wasswa (Vipers SC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (URA FC), John Revita (KCCA FC), Samuel Kato (KCCA FC), Musitafa Mujjuzi (Proline FC)

Midfielders: Shafik Kagimu (URA FC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Paul Mucureezi (Vipers SC), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants FC), David Owori (SC Villa), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City FC), Julius Poloto (KCCA FC)

Forwards: Samson Kigozi (Police FC), Viani Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants FC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Joackim Ojera (URA FC), Fahad Bayo (Vipers SC), Steven Mukwala (Maroons FC), Crowmwell Rwothomio (URA FC), Brian Aheebwa (Mbarara City FC)