The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Three foreign-based players have joined the Uganda Cranes camp for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers clash against Botswana.
The Uganda Cranes will face Botswana on Friday, June 7, 2024, in their first game, and on June 10, against Algeria. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM under floodlights.
Team captain Khalid Aucho, striker Fahd Aziz Bayo, and left-back Abdu Aziz Kayondo arrived at the camp on Wednesday. Midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga is expected to join later in the evening, according to FUFA spokesperson Ahmed Hussein.
The Uganda Cranes have been in a residential camp since the end of May, training at Mandela National Stadium-Namboole’s outside pitch as they prepare for the second window of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
However, Head Coach Paul Put was forced to make changes to the initial squad when defender Bevis Mugabi and striker Uchechukwu Ikpeazu Mubiru confirmed they couldn’t participate in the campaign. Mugabi cited availability issues, while Ikpeazu reported health challenges.
Consequently, Put called up Ronald Otti and Nelson Ssenkatuka to replace the duo. The team will hold another closed-door training session this evening as they intensify their preparations for the upcoming matches.
On Tuesday, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, visited the team and donated 50 million shillings. She also promised additional winning bonuses for each game the team wins.
“We are looking for six points, promise us that you will give us the six points. We know that we are going to get all that from you. We pray that when we get to these games, you put all your best. Paly for your country.” She said.
Currently, Uganda Cranes are in fourth position in Group G with three points, having won one game against Somalia and lost one to Guinea.
The Cranes trail group leaders Algeria, who have six points. Botswana and Guinea, in the second and third positions respectively, also have three points each. Mozambique and Somalia round out the group.
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