Cranes start low-key preparations for Mali friendly

Uganda Cranes defender Keneth Ssemakula during a recent gym session | photo Credit: FUFA Media

FOOTBALL Cranes start low-key preparations for Mali friendly

Shafic Kiyaga • 21:10 - 06.10.2023

Uganda will test their mettle against Mali on October 13, and against Zambia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Uganda Cranes have kickstarted their preparations for the friendly match against West African stalwarts, Mali.

This encounter is slated to occur during the next FIFA international break, proving to be a crucial warm-up as the Cranes gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

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Uganda will test their mettle against Mali on October 13, and against Zambia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The competitive spirit was evident at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Friday afternoon, where the Cranes, under the watchful eyes of interim head coach Morley Byekwaso, oversaw his first training session with the group.

The former KCCA FC coach currently serving as an assistant to Serbian Dusan Stojanovic at SC Villa replaced former Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic in September.

His first training involved only a group of the 36 players handpicked for the friendly.

The group included local based players, with the KCCA FC trio including goalkeeper Derrick Ochan and midfielders Saidi Mayanja and Arafat Usama yet to join camp.

The three players will be involved in the top-bill Kampala derby between KCCA FC and arch rivals Express FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Sunday, after which they are expected to join camp.

Moreover, a significant contingent of foreign-based players is set to integrate into the team's training after their weekend club fixtures.

The friendly match promises to be a titanic tussle, with Mali, the 1972 AFCON champions, currently holding a respectable 49th position in global rankings.

The first friendly will unfold at the Stadium Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, before they travel to Dubai for the game against Zambia.

These friendlies are particularly poignant as they serves as a rehearsals for Uganda's high-stakes World Cup qualifier against Guinea, scheduled for November 13.