Jamal recalled to Cranes squad for Tanzania double header

Salim jamal was the best player for September and October in the PSL (COURTESY IMAGE)

UGANDA CRANES Jamal recalled to Cranes squad for Tanzania double header

Shafic Kiyaga 09:37 - 09.03.2023

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been rewarded for his recent impressive form with South African Premier League side Richards Bay.

Goalkeeper Salim Jamal has been recalled to the Uganda Cranes’ 30-man provisional squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers later this month.

Jamal returns to the Cranes fold for the first time since March 2021, when he was among the substitutes for Uganda’s game against Malawi in Blantyre.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been rewarded for his recent impressive form with South African Premier League side Richards Bay.

Jamal has played in all 22 of Richards Bay’s league games this season, keeping an impressive 11 clean sheet. His last league appearance though saw him sent off after only 19 minutes against Kaizer Chiefs.

Regulars Charles Lukwago and URA FC’s Alionzi Nafian have been maintained with Gadaffi FC’s Joel Mutakubwa also among the goalkeeping options on the squad.

Defender Joseph Ochaya has also been recalled for the first time after close to two years, with his last appearance coming against Mali in the World Cup qualifiers in September 2021.

The former KCCA FC left back has found his footing since his move to Egypt's top-tier side Arab Contractors. Ochaya has scored five goals and provided two assists in the 18 games he has played in Egypt's top flight.

Uganda Hippos duo of defender Rogers Torach and forward Rogers Mugisha has also been handed their first senior national team call-ups following strong performances at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Mugisha was electrifying and was named man of the match in Uganda’s opening victory over the Central African Republic while Torach was named in the tournament’s best XI of the group stage as the Hippos reached the quarter-finals.

Hippos forward Travis Mutyaba has also been included among the 13 local-based players who will be involved in a regional tour game against Kitara region on March 17 in Bundibugyo district.

The team will enter residential camp on Wednesday, March 15, at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi before making the 366-kilometre trip to Bundibugyo on Friday.

The team is expected to depart for another camp in Ismailia on Sunday ahead of the first of two meetings with rivals and neighbours Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on March 24, before travelling to Dar es Salaam four days later.

The Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jamal Salim Magoola (Richards Bay), Alionzi Nafian (URA), Charles Lukwago (St George), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito (Al Ittihad), James Begisa (URA), Aziz Kayondo (CD Leganes), Derrick Ndahiro (URA), Livingston Mulondo (Vipers), Geoffrey Wasswa (KCCA), Timothy Awany (Iron Ashdod), Halid Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers)

Midfielders: Siraje Sentamu (Vipers), Aucho Khalid (Yanga), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin), Steven Sserwadda (New York Red Bull II), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikas), Allan Okello (KCCA), Farouk Miya (Caykur Rizespor)

Forwards: Emmanuel Okwi (Erbil), Rogers Mato (KCCA), Joseph Ochaya (Al Makawdoon), Travis Mutyaba (Villa), Steven Mukwala (Asante Kotoko), Fahad Bayo (MFK Vyskov), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla), Sadat Anaku (Dundee United), Rogers Mugisha (UPDF)