Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) central midfielder Ivan Ntege and defender Hassan Wasswa Dazzo will miss Uganda Cranes clash against the Eagles of Mali on Tuesday at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu, Rwanda.
The two sides meet in their opening duel at the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) shortly after Zambia battle with Zimbabwe in the first game of Group D.
The development follows a confirmation from the continental football governing body, CAF that the duo will not be eligible to play on Tuesday as their suspensions still stand ahead of game that head coach Micho has said is very, very important.
Wasswa received a red card during a CHAN qualifier game against Sudan at Nakivubo in November last year while holding midfielder Ivan Ntege will be out due to accrued yellow cards over two legs during the qualifiers.
Despite this blow, coach Micho has said that he has 23 players in camp who are all well prepared for any challenge.
“We are prepared physically, technically and mentally. Anybody on the team among the 23 players who traveled can play,” the Serbian remarked.
The 23 players in Rwanda:
Goalkeepers: James Alitho (Vipers S.C), Mathias Kigonya (Bright Stars F.C), Ismail Watenga (Vipers F.C)
Defenders: Denis Okot (KCCA FC), Richard Kasagga Jjuuko (URA F.C), Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars), Isaac Muleme (SC Villa Jogoo), Hassan Wasswa Dazzo (KCCA FC), Timothy Awany (KCCA), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA F.C), Bernard Muwanga (Bright Stars FC),
Midfielders: Ivan Ntege (KCCA FC), Ambrose Kirya (SC Villa Jogoo), Keziron Kizito (Vipers), Mutyaba Muzamiru (KCCA FC), Farouk Miya (Vipers), Martin Kiiza (SC Villa Jogoo)
Strikers: Robert Ssentongo (URA), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Lweza), Frank Kalanda (URA), Samson Ceasar Okhuti (KCCA FC), Edirisa Lubega (Proline Soccer Academy), Erisa Sekisambu (Vipers SC)
Group D fixtures at Umuganda stadium in Rubavu
Zimbabwe vs. Zambia (SS9, 4pm)
Mali vs. Uganda (SS9, 7pm)
Robert.k.circles@gmail.com
