By: Geoffrey Mugabi
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has announced a 26-man provisional squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Qualifier matches against Burundi.
The Cranes will face Burundi in a two-legged tie, with both matches scheduled to take place at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo on December 26th and 29th.
As co-hosts of the CHAN 2024 tournament, Uganda has already secured a spot in the competition, alongside fellow East African nations Kenya and Tanzania.
However, Burundi will be vying for the fourth and final slot allocated to the region. The Burundians will be eager to cause an upset and secure a spot in the tournament.
Notably, Uganda Premier League top scorer Charles Lwanga, Denis Omedi and, in-form Paul Mucureezi have not been included in the provisional squad.
Preparations for the qualifiers will commence with non-residential training on December 21st, followed by a training camp at the Nob View Hotel.
The CHAN 2024 final tournament is scheduled to take place from February 1st to 28th, 2025.
As one of the hosting nations, Uganda will be eager to make a strong impression on home soil.
Here is the full provisional squad:
Goalkeepers:
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC)
Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC)
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
Defenders:
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC)
Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
Moses Aliro (URA FC)
Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC)
Enock Walusimbi (URA FC)
Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Midfielders:
Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC)
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Forwards:
Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa)
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC)
Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC)
Isaac Ogwang (Police FC)
James Jarieko (NEC FC)
