Cranes'' flight to Tripoli delayed

By Swalley Kenyi

International Friendly

June 1

Libya v Uganda

FUFA has adjusted the Uganda Cranes travel arrangements to Libya to allow their six foreign based players link up with the rest while on transit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tuesday.

Uganda play Libya in an international build up match on Saturday and the team was due to fly out to Tripoli on Tuesday evening courtesy of the host football federation.

Cranes media manager Fred Malibu said on Monday that their departure had been delayed by at least 12 hours to suit the arrival of foreign based players at Dubai International Airport on Tuesday night.

FUFA could not leave out the players because one of the conditions for them to honour the friendly match it is to field a full strength side including foreign based charges to give Libya a run for their money.   

“As it was, we would travel in bits. The change of schedule will allow all the players meet in Dubai and arrive in Libya together,” Malibu explained.

South Africa based goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, the trio of Henry Kisekka, Moses Oloya and Geoffrey Kizito (Vietnam), Luwagga Kizito (Portugal) and Joseph Ochaya (Ghana) are expected to link up with 16 others from Kampala before heading to Tripoli.

Libya expects a formidable challenge from Uganda Cranes given their head-to-head record of three wins, a draw and only loss since 1972.