Uganda Cranes will today play their first 2024 International friendly against Kuwait in Cairo, Egypt.

The squad, comprised solely of players from the domestic league – the Uganda Premier League, departed on Monday after a week of intensive preparations. This will be Coach Paul Put’s third game since assuming the role.

Uganda ranked 92nd by FIFA and Kuwait 136th, will be meeting for the first time, and both teams want to start their rivalry off well. Since defeating Tajikistan in March 2022, Uganda has lost its last four friendlies, conceding nine goals and scoring twice, while Kuwait has won eight of their last ten friendlies.

Just like Uganda Cranes which failed to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Kuwait equally failed to make it to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup after finishing third in Group A of the qualifiers back in June 2022.

The match serves as a test for the local-based players ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Botswana in June. Unfortunately, Uganda Cranes will be without the services of experienced midfielder Milton Karisa and Umar Lutalo, who withdrew from the team due to injuries, as confirmed by FUFA.

The Cranes squad in Cairo includes goalkeepers Hannington Ssebwalunyo and Tom Ikara. Defenders include Kenneth Semakula, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Rashid Okocha, Patrick Bayiga, Rogers Torach, Livingstone Mulondo, Nicholas Mweere, and Hudu Mulikyi.

Midfielders include Ronald Ssekiganda, Ashiraf Mugume, Bright Anukani, Ramz Kawooya, Laban Tibiita, and Allan Oyirwoth while forwards include Nelson Senkatuka, Alex Kitatta, Denis Omedi, Usama Arafat Kiza, Patrick Jonah Kakande, and Muhammad Shaban. By URN/Tower Post