Football

Uganda Cranes to depart for Kenya on Saturday Morning

Uganda Cranes will depart for Kenya on Saturday 14th-November aboard Uganda Airlines at Entebbe International Airport 10:00am.

Johnathan McKnistry’s charges will play against South-Sudan on Monday 16th-November at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya to complete the double header.

Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry says that new players will start against South Sudan on Monday.

The Cranes will meet South Sudan again in an AFCON Qualifiers group B encounter in Kenya.

We are likely to make changes in second game because energy levels are important,” Mckinstry said after the game.

“You saw today players had to leave everything on the field and so yes a number of new players are going to start the second game because we need fresh legs.”

The game in Kenya comes four days after the one in Kitende.

The Cranes will be without defender Joseph Ochaya’s who is suspended and is likely to be replaced by Vipers’ Disan Galiwango in the starting lineup

Nicholas Wadada is expected to replace Elvis Bwomono at right back after the Southend United defender had a colourless debut.

The medical team is thoroughly assessing Ronald Mukiibi and Khalid Aucho’s injury concerns. The duo were withdrawn after sustaining injuries with Halid Lwaliwa coming in for Mukiibi and Karim Watambala replacing Aucho.

Allan Okello, Lwaliwa, Edirisa Lubega and Karim Watambala who came off the bench are expected to start.

Unused substitutes Shafic Kagimu, Fahad Bayo and Brian Aheebwa are also expected to play a part.

Mckinstry expects another tough encounter in second leg but remains hopeful to top the group.

“We expect another tough encounter which is going to take another 90 minutes of intensity to get the results we want and everyone know the status of the group and our number one priority is to maintain our top position in the group after South Sudan games as we said,” he added.

“We have taken our first step toward that which can put us in great position though we cannot control what goes on from other places, so it might be enough to confirm qualifications or not, but regardless of the overall outcomes we want to finish in number one position.”

It was a hard fought win as the Cranes struggled to defeate South Sudan 1-0 at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende, thanks to Lwaliwa’s late header.

Uganda Cranes are on seven points tied with Burkina Faso who beat Malawi 3-1 on Thursday night.

They will be expected back in Uganda on Tuesday 17th November at 1:30pm.

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