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However, a few positives were recorded, including NewYork Redbulls II midfielder Ibrahim Kasule who earned his first call-up to the senior national side ahead of the Cranes' final AFCON qualifier against Niger.
The heartache over Uganda Cranes' failure to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is still fresh in every fan's mind.
However, a few positives were recorded, including NewYork Redbulls II midfielder Ibrahim Kasule who earned his first call-up to the senior national side ahead of the Cranes' final AFCON qualifier against Niger.
Kasule, 19, notes that, like any other Ugandan, the pain of not sealing qualification is still fresh, but he learnt a lot during the short time he spent with the Cranes in Morocco.
"It's a pleasure to make the final list for the Cranes,“ Kasule told Pulse Sports from his base in New York.
”It's every player's desire, and it being my first time, it was a bit emotional, especially because we didn't qualify for AFCON.“
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07:56 - 17.09.2023
OPINION FUFA must take a risk on local coaches to manage Uganda Cranes
Uganda has had Micho, paid him a reported salary of $25,000 and still missed out on qualifying for the AFCON two editions in a row.
"I learnt a lot during my time with the Cranes from the players and officials, and I hope for more call-ups to help my country in whichever way possible,“ he added.
Kasule made the bench but didn't come on during Uganda's 2-0 win over Niger; the victory wasn't enough to send the Cranes to the AFCON tournament following Tanzania's goalless draw away to Algeria.
Kasule has been on form with Ibrahim Sekagya's side in the MLS NEXT PRO League, scoring 15 goals in as many games and scooping the league's Player of the Month for July.
'Owen Baba' joined New York Redbull II from Wakiso Giants in March 2023 after compatriot Frank Ssebuufu, who had joined a bit earlier.
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19:00 - 15.08.2023
STARS ABROAD Sekagya’s trust in Owen Baba Kasule catalyst for his New York Red Bulls II performance
Kasule, who joined the big apple side in March 2023 after a transfer saga that involved parent club Wakiso Giants, Turkish second-division side Ankara Keciorengucu and his current club, has been in top form since his arrival.
Both players have helped Ibrahim Ssekagya's side to a fourth-place position in the Eastern Conference with 51 points after 27 games played.
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