Uganda name 30-players for Burkina Faso clash

Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic

USA-based midfielder Mike Azira and teenager Edrisa Lubega are the surprise inclusion in the team for the double-header.

Announcing the squad at a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday, ‘Micho’ as the Serb is nicknamed called for character from his players ahead of the crucial double header which he described key to the Cranes’ ambition to reach the AFCON finals for the first time since 1978.

“We need to lift our character ahead of this double-header because we are a good team. The first leg is very crucial and it will count so much in our bid to qualify”, said Micho.

Uganda will face Burkina Faso away in Ouagadougou on Saturday, 26 March 2016 before hosting the return three days later in Kampala.

On the inclusion of Azira, Micho observed that the unavailability of Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, who has been busy with his new Finish club arrangement, necessitated the call-up of the Colorado Rapids midfielder to give cover.

“Mike Azira has been active with Colorado Rapids. He recently had a man-of-the-match performance against LA Galaxy (which has Steven Gerrard), and I believe it’s time to give him the chance at this stage” added Micho.

Other players making returns to the Cranes are Mike Sserumaga, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Danish-based striker Emmanuel Okwi.

Uganda leads the group on six points from two games, with Botswana and Burkina Faso trailing on three points apiece, and Comoros at the depth with no point.

Full Squad