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Uganda's soccer team leaves for Nigeria friendly

Xinhua, March 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

Uganda's national football team Cranes left for Nigeria on Sunday for an international friendly against the Super Eagles.

Head coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic said before leaving that he had to trim the team to 18 players because some players could not be released by their respective clubs because of engagements.

Top striker Geoffrey Massa who features for University of Pretoria in South Africa will skipper the team.

Midfielder Mike Azira who features for MLS side Seattle Sounders in the United States and goalkeeper Robert Odonkara who plays for St. George in Ethiopia did not make it to the team.

"We have managed to train twice and will continue to train on Monday when we arrive in Nigeria," said Sredojevic.

Cranes were lucky to get the invitation to face one of Africa's giants Nigeria after Bolivia pulled out of the earlier planned match against Nigeria. The Bolivia FA said they were not comfortable with the planned match because of the tense political situation in the country.

"It is always a good chance to face a big team like Nigeria and we shall give our best in their own backyard," said Massa who netted four goals for Uganda at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (Afcon).

The Super Eagles who failed to qualify for the 2015 Afcon will play their second International friendly away to South Africa on March 29. They will be handled by caretaker coach Daniel Amokachi.

Following is the squad:

Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Isma Watenga (Sc Vipers, Uganda).

Defenders: Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia), Murushid Jjuko (Simba SC, Tanzania), Richard Kassaga (Salam Zgharta, Lebanon), Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars, Uganda), Shafiq Bakaki (Express FC, Uganda), Alex Kakuba (Estoril Praia, Portugal), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya).

Midfielders: Dennis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Khalid Aucho (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Keziron Kizito (SC Vipers, Uganda), Brian Majwega (Azam FC, Tanzania), William Kizito Luwagga (Sporting Covilha, Portugal), Farouk Miya (SC Vipers, Uganda).

Strikers: Geoffrey Massa (Pretoria University, South Africa), Brian Umony (St. George, Ethiopia), Robert Ssentongo (URA FC, Uganda). Endi