Cranes delayed in Dakar

Milton Kariisa rests in the airport lounge

Cape Verde v Uganda Cranes - Praia, Estádio da Várzea

Uganda Cranes were delayed at Leopold Sedar Sengor International airport in Dakar, Senegal for eight hours after their flight plane; number VR8001 developed a technical fault thus delaying in Burkina Faso.

Uganda Cranes is expected to play their opening match of the 2019 AFCON qualifier at Estádio da Várzea, Praia at 7:30pm

After discussion with the officials at the airport, head of delegation Denis Mbidde had the flight rescheduled for 12:30pm Dakar time (3:30pm EAT).

"We don't imagine how our flight had to get a problem but we are not off the focus because this is what everyone who comes here goes through anyway. I mean we believe this was intended," Mbidde said after a brief meeting with airport officials.

Players on the contingent stuck at Leopold Sedar Sengor international airport include Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murshid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Hassan Wasswa, Faruku Miya, Benjamin Ochan, Denis Okoth, Timothy Awany, Milton Kariisa.

Cranes players during training in Dakar

The officials include the FUFA president Moses Magogo, leader of delegation Denis Mbidde, head coach Milutin Sredejovic, his assistants Moses Basena, Fred Kajoba, team doctors Ronald Kisolo, and Ivan Ssewanyana, Buganda region delegate Sulait Makumbi.

Due to flight connection problems earlier on Bernard Muwanga, Emmanuel Okwi, Isaac Muleme, Derick Nsimbabi, Geoffrey Sserunkuuma, Kakeeto and Muhammad Shaban, the team manager Chrispus Muyinda and a journalist Afriqana Nsereko had to travel earlier and are already in Praia.