Afcon: More players expected to join camp as training resumes ahead of qualifier

Total AFCON Cameroon 2019 Qualifier
Saturday 17th November 2018
Uganda Vs Cape Verde
Venue: Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Time: 4pm

Shafic Kiyaga

Preparations for the penultimate game of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier have started, with more players expected to join the 18 players who trained on Friday.

On Saturday, training resumes with one session.

Uganda host Cape Verde at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on November 17.

The Friday session at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo saw 18 players taken through their paces by the Cranes technical team including head coach, Sebastian Desabre and assistant Matia Lule.

Local based players present include; KCCA’s Allan Kyambadde, Patrick Kaddu, Ibrahim Sadam Juma,Timothy Awany and Charles Lukwago. They were joined by SC Vipers’ Moses Waiswa, Dan Sserunkuuma, Taddeo Lwanga and Yayo Lutimba plus Vianne Sekajugo and Nicolas Ssebwato from Onduparaka.  Isinde (Kirinya JSSS FC)and Ambrose Kirya (SC Villa) were also available.

Assistant captain Hassan Wasswa (Al Geish), Murushid Juuko (Simba FC), Emanuel Okwi (Simba FC) Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC) were the only foreign-based players that reported for the opening session.

“The first session was based on preparing our bodies for the challenge ahead. Its also about meeting fellow players and trying to coordinate with the new players,” Wasswa said.

“We are motivated and will be prepared for Cape Verde by game time. I joined camp early because my last game for my club was on Sunday.”

Coach Desabre said the first session mainly featured local based players and some few who travelled early.

“We expect to have other players by Saturday and shall hold a build up game with the U23 team on Sunday morning at Lugogo,” he said.

The 24 players who will join residential camp will be named on Monday.

“The players are in good shape and have shown great attitude to train today,” Desabre said.

The Cranes who need just a single point to qualify for the AFCON tournament in Cameroon won the first game against Cape Verde in Praia thanks to a Geoffrey Sserunkuuma solitary goal.