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Cranes coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic must find solutions to gladden the campaign, but will have to make do without the advantage of home support that has been a fundamental pillar to the Cranes' formidable home record.
Uganda is aiming to return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stage, but find themselves having to play catch up early on followng a startling start to the qualifier that has seen them collect only one point from their opening two games.
The 2019 CECAFA champions begin a potential two-match mini-campaign against neighbours and rivals Tanzania with missing a second straight AFCON a real concern if they do not pick maximum points from the double header.
Cranes coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic must find solutions to gladden the campaign, but will have to make do without the advantage of home support that has been a fundamental pillar to the Cranes' formidable home record.
With Uganda lacking a CAF-certified stadium for Tier A games, Uganda's football governing body (FUFA) has zeroed down on Egypt's Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia as Uganda's adopted home ground.
Uganda will host the first leg in Egypt on March 24 before travelling for the return leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam on March 28.
Pulse Sports understands that part of the solution for Micho is to base his approach on the Ugandan players already based in Egypt, despite many being locked out recently.
It is understood that the Serbian has included Joseph Ochaya, Derrick Kakooza, Garvin Kizito and Richard Basangwa as part of his next squad for the games.
Kizito has been consistent with the Cranes since making his debut for the senior side in Match 2021 against Malawi, and has featured in eight games since 2022 including both the recent qualifiers against Algeria and Niger.
Ochaya specifically will be making a return to the Uganda Cranes squad 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.
Kakooza who currently plays for ENPPI, featured for Uganda in an international friendly against Tanzania in September 2022.
Sources further inform that Allan Kyambadde is the only player based in Egypt that will not be summoned for the qualifiers. The 27-year-old midfielder who plays for El Daklyeh has played 15 of the side's 21 games so far.
Micho is expected to name his squad for the games next week, with the Cranes expected to camp in Ismailia from March 19.
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