Desabre names squad for Uganda Cranes' Abu Dhabi camp

Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 28-man squad for the training camp to be held in Abu Dhabi in preparation for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt.

The squad that is comprised of both local and foreign-based players has two new entrants; Alex Bakka and Abdul Lumala who feature for Carlstad United and Syrianska FC respectively.

Defender Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds), midfielders Michael Azira (Montreal) and Kizito Luwagga (Shakhter Karagandy) have made a return to the Cranes setup.

Yunus Ssentamu, Milton Kariisa, Muhammed Shaban and Dennis Iguma were not considered.

The Uganda Cranes contingent will fly out on Monday next week and will also play two friendly matches.

The goalkeeping department has four players including KCCA FC's Charles Lukwago who will join the team after the COSAFA tournament in South Africa.

In Abu Dhabi, the squad will be reduced 23 ahead of AFCON that will be held in Egypt.

The tournament begins on June 21 and ends on July 19 will have 24 teams taking part for the first time.

Uganda which faces DRC on June 22 in its opening game is placed in Group A alongside hosts Egypt and Zimbabwe.

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal), Robert Odongkara (Adama City), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC).

Defenders: Bevis Mugabi (Yeovil Town), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Awanyi Timothy (KCCA FC), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (unattached), Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds), Murushid Juuko (Simba),  Godfrey Walsumbi (unattached), Muleme Isaac ( FK Viktoria Zizkov), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe).

Midfielders: Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Khalid Aucho (Church Hill Brothers FC), Chrysostom Ntambi Coffee FC), Lumala Abdul (Syrianska FC), Michael Azira (Montreal), Moses Waisswa (Vipers SC), Sadam Juma (KCCA FC), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica FC), Kizito Luwagga (Shakhter Karagandy), Kateregga Allan ( Maritzburg), Emmanuel Okwi (Simba SC).

Strikers: Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Alexis Bakka (Carlstad United), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha).