AFCON 2021 Qualifier: Miya Dropped As McKinstry Includes Three New Europe Based Players In Cranes Squad To face South Sudan

March 5, 2020

Uganda Cranes head coach Jonathan McKinstry has summoned a squad of 20 foreign based players to start preparations ahead of the 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations qualifier games against neighbours South Sudan.

However, five (5) local based players will be added to the squad from the current CHAN training camp.

Uganda will play a double header against South Sudan with the first leg slated for 28th March 2020 at Mandela National Stadium while the return leg will be played on 31st March 2020 at El- Hilal stadium in Khartoum, Sudan.

It should be noted that South Sudan host their home games in Sudan because Juba Stadium is still under refurbishment.

McKinstry announced a squad of 20 players during a press conference held at FUFA Complex on Thursday afternoon.

There are three players that have earned their first call to the Uganda Cranes and these include Elvis Okello Bwomono who plies his trade with 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.

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

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 (Super Sport 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)

What you need to know about the new players summoned

Elvis Okello Bwomono

Elvis Okello Bwomono

He was born on 29th November 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

Jayden Onen

Onen was born on 17th February 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

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.

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