FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier (Group E):
Kenya Harambee Stars vs Uganda Cranes
Thursday, 2nd September 2021 @Nyayo International Stadium, Nairobi
Uganda Cranes have been training at the Utalii College Sports Ground ahead of their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier (Group E) opener against Kenya Harambee Stars on Thursday, 2nd September 2021 at Nyayo International Stadium, Nairobi.
Last time out, Uganda and Kenya played to a one-all draw in an international friendly held at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani in 2019.
The Cranes captain on the day Emmanuel Arnold Okwi scored the opener in the 21st minute off William Luwagga Kizito’s well-set ball from the left. Kenneth Muguna leveled matters eight minutes into the second half.
Ahead of the East African derby, Cranes Coach Mulitin Micho Sredojevic says that the clash will be an interesting one but it won’t be an easy walk in the park.
“This will be one more episode of unending derby between Uganda and Kenya. I am happy to be coming here in Nairobi. It is a measurement of test and character. It will be a very tough match,” Micho told fufa.co.ug
“There is too much at stake. It is very hard to play against players that you know. We shall be playing a team that has very big advantage. It will be a match where small details will decide. We shall be doing everything that those details go our way,” Micho added.
With Ugandan leagues in recess because of the off season, Micho says that it could be a disadvantage especially for the local based players who have only been relying on national team drills to keep in shape.
Uganda gear up for Kenya clash just after losing 2-1 against Ethiopia in their final build up match a few days ago.
Uganda will host Mali on 6th September 2021 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende in their second World Cup qualifier game.
Uganda Cranes players in Nairobi, Kenya:
Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Chippa United, South Africa), Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda), Joel Mutakubwa (Express, Uganda)
Defenders: Enock Walusimbi (Express, Uganda), Joseph Benson Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Express, Uganda), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City, Uganda), Denis Iguma (KCCA, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Mustapha Kizza (CF Montréal, Canada)
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (Super Sport United, South Africa), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers, Uganda),
Forwards: Yunus Sentamu (Vipers, Uganda), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi – Captain, Richard Basangwa (Vipers, Uganda), Steven Desse Mukwala (URA, Uganda), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt)
