Uganda Cranes have left the country for Uzbekistan where they are set to feature in the Navruz Cup that has Tajikistan, hosts Uzbekistan and Kyrgz Republic participating in.Micho’s men will play Tajikistan in their opening match of the tournament on 25th March. On the same day, hosts Uzbekistan shall take on Krygz Republic. The winners will progress to the final while the losers will face-off in a playoff. The third place play-off and final matches will then be held on 29th March 2022.For Cranes, the tournament will be used part of their preparation for the 2023 AFCON and CHAN qualifiers.“We are using the Navruz Cup to assemble the teams that will feature in the qualifiers of CHAN 2023 and AFCON 2023 tournaments. There is a balance of players in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League as well as those featuring in the diaspora leagues,” head coach Milutin Sredojević told FUFA media.The squad will be led by captain Emmanuel Okwi. Other notable players named in the squad are Bevis Mugabi of Mother well in Scotland, Khalid Aucho of Yanga, Steven Serwadda of New York Red Buuls, Faruk Miya who plays in Ukraine and Allan Kyambadde of El Gouna.Off to Uzbekistan for the 2022 Navruz Cup. pic.twitter.com/PCqyTZHBPK— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) March 22, 2022 Uganda Cranes squadGoalkeepers: Lukwago Charles (St George, Ethiopia), Alionzi Nafian Legason (URA, Uganda), Ochan Benjamin (KCCA, Uganda).Defenders: Mugabi Bevis Kristofer Kizito (Motherwell, Scotland), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo (Vyskov, Czech Republic), Achai Herbert (KCCA, Uganda), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jurua Hassan Alidro (KCCA, Uganda), Mulondo Livingstone (Vipers SC, Uganda).Midfielders: Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC, Uganda), Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Marvin Joseph Youngman (Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Uganda), Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi (Super Sport United, South Africa), Serwadda Steven (New York Red Bulls II, USA).Strikers: Bayo Fahad Aziz (Bnei Sakhnin, Israel), Faruku Miya (Lviv, Ukraine), Milton (Vipers SC, Uganda), Okello Allan (Paradou AC, Algeria), Kakooza Derrick (Valmiera, Lativa), Okwi Emmanuel Arnold (Kiyovu Sports FC, Rwanda), Mato Rogers (KCCA, Uganda),Kizza Martin (Express FC, Uganda) and Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt).
