McKinstry names squad to face South Sudan

Cranes coach McKinstry. File photo

Uganda is in group B alongside Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Malawi.

Goalkeeper Salim Jamal Mugoola has been recalled to the national team as the team starts preparations for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against South Sudan on March 28.

Mugoola’s call-up comes a day after the FUFA disciplinary committee cautioned him over remarks he made on his social media platform during the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.

It was alleged that Magoola through his twitter account attacked a Member of Parliament Odonga Otto who had accused the player of being part of the team that led a Cranes strike in AFCON.

However, the summoned squad has seen three players earn their first call ups to the national team and they include Elvis Okello Bwomono who plays for South End FC in England.

The other two include Jayden Onen and Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu who play for Brentford(England) and Heart of Midlothian(Scotland) respectively.

However, five local-based players will be added to the squad from the current CHAN training camp.

Uganda will play a doubleheader against South Sudan with the first leg at Mandela National Stadium, while the return leg will be played on March 31, 2020, at El- Hilal stadium in Khartoum, Sudan. South Sudan plays its home games in Sudan because Juba Stadium is still under refurbishment.

Uganda is in group B alongside Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Malawi.

What we know about the new players

Elvis Okello Bwomono

He was born on November 29, 1998, and currently plays as a full-back for League One club Southend United.

Bwomono was born in Uganda and lived here until the age of three before moving to London, England where he attended Hatch End High School.

As a footballer, he started his career at Queens Park Rangers FC before later joining Southend United at the age of 14. In October 2017, he signed his first professional contract with the club.

Jayden Onen

Onen was born on February 17, 2001, and currently plays for Brentford B in England. He played in the Arsenal academy and also formerly played for Brighton and Hove U21 team.

Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu

Mubiru was born in Harrow, London of Nigerian/Ugandan parentage. He was born 28th February 1995 and currently plays as a forward for Scottish Premiership Club Heart of Midlothian.

He is a former Reading Academy player who also played for clubs like Watford in 2013, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, Blackpool and Cambridge United in England before signing with Heart of Midlothian in April 2018.

Full Squad Summoned

Goalkeepers: Dennis Masinde Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Hilal, Sudan)

Defenders: Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC, Tanzania), Elvis Okello Bwomono(South End, England), Joseph Benson Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Ronald Mukiibi( Östersunds FK Sweden), Timothy Awany ( F.C. Ashdod, Israel), Brevis Mugabi (Motherwell FC, Scotland).

Midfielders: Mike Azira(Chicago Fire, US), Jayden Onen (Brentford B, England), Taddeo Lwanga(Tanta FC, Egypt), Aucho Khalid ( Misr Lel Makkasa SC), Allan Okello (Paradou AC, Algeria), Moses Waiswa (SuperSport United FC, South Africa)

Forwards: Emmanuel Arnold Okwi(Al Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Alexis Bakka (UMEA FC), Sweden, Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu(Heart of Midlothian FC)