Muslim community prays for Uganda Cranes

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) held special prayers at Gaddafi Mosque in Old Kampala for Uganda Cranes to qualify for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The national team is preparing to face Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on March 26 and hosts the return leg three days later at Namboole Stadium.

Speaking to Muslims who took part in the prayers on Friday after Jumah prayers, the FUFA president Moses Magogo said Uganda needs to win both games to qualify and this will require physical, technical and spiritual strength.

"The players were supposed to pray with us here but due to unforeseen circumstances, Jumah time found them at Namboole. They are all dedicated to Allah and Farouq Miya is the Imam of the team," Magogo said.

He called upon Muslims to continue praying for the Cranes at a personal level so that they can overcome their Burkina Faso counterparts.

Sheikh Juma Shiwuyo delivering the Juma sermon. Photo/UMSC

According to the statement issued by Haji Nsereko Mutumba, the UMSC spokesperson, the prayers were led by the Imam Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza.

The acting deputy Mufti Sheikh Khatwib Mukuluwakika was in attendance.

While delivering the Friday Sermon, Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, the assistant Imam of the mosque, urged all Muslims to pray for the Cranes because when it qualifies, Uganda as a country benefits.

With four games remaining in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers, Uganda Cranes are in good stead to make the finals for the first time since 1978.

Coach Micho Sredejovic's side lead the group with a maximum six points ahead of Botswana and Burkina Faso on three apiece. Comoros, without a point, tail the group.

Two wins and a draw should be enough to deliver Cranes to the finals with a double header against Burkina Faso next up.