By Rora Media Admin
As the Uganda Cranes coach, Paul Put continues to prepare his team for next month’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) final tournament, ongoing January transfer window and injuries have presented significant setbacks to him.
Put had initially included SC Villa’s Hakim Kiwanuka and Denis Omedi of Kitara in his 36-man provisional squad which he announced last Wednesday. However, just hours later that day, the two players were unveiled for Rwandan Premier League side APR thus making them ineligible for CHAN. The tournament restricts participating nations to selecting only local talents.
Putting transfer challenges aside, experienced Vipers’ captain, Milton Karisa is also ruled out for two months due to an injury he suffered during their 1-0 league victory against Maroons last week.
KCCA’s duo Sadat Anaku and Shafik Kwikiriza, are reported to be nursing minor injuries that could negatively affect their availability for the tournament. Notably, all the affected players are forwards which leaves the Belgian tactician with limited options in attack.
In response to these unexpected withdrawals, Put added KCCA winger Arafat Usama and URA forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe as replacements. Now the current forward options include Police’s Isaac Ogwang, Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara), Charles Lwanga (Villa), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine), Paul Mucureezi (NEC).
The Cranes provisional squad began the non-residential training last Friday, starting at Luzira Prisons Grounds before moving to Philip Omondi Stadium Lugogo for the second and third training sessions on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Put is expected to reduce the squad to 26 players today.
Meanwhile, the group stage draw for CHAN 2024 is set for this Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. The tournament which is going to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will run from 1-28 of February.
West African giants Senegal are the defending champions as they claimed the title in 2023 after defeating hosts Algeria 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout during the final played in Algiers.
