Uganda Cranes travel to Zimbabwe for AFCON build-up

Uganda's national football team, Cranes on Monday traveled to Harare for an international friendly match against Zimbabwe.

Cranes are using the game as a build-up to the crucial 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Botswana on June 4.

Striker Lorenzen Melvyn who features for Bundesliga side Werder Bremen said he was looking forward to playing for the national team for the first time.

"I am ready to give my best in the friendly game," said the 21-year-old who was named on the Ugandan squad for the first time.

Uganda are the second in Group D with seven points just like Burkina Faso who have a better head to head since they beat Uganda 1-0.

Mike Azira who plies his trade in the United States with Colorado Rapids and Vietnam-based attacking midfielder Moses Oloya will miss the trip because of injury.

"We are going to work hard in the friendly and also make sure we get a win away in Botswana because we need to keep on track to qualify for AFCON," said Cranes skipper Geoffrey Massa.

He said they need to win their two games against Botswana and Comoros if they think of qualifying for the 2017 AFCON in Gabon.

Following is the squad:

Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyanyo, Robert Ondongkara

Defenders: Denis Iguma, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya

Midfielders: Aucho Khalid, Tonny Mawejje, William Kizito Luwagga, Godfrey Walusimbi

Strikers: Farouk Miya, Davis Kasirye, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Geofrey Massa, Emmanuel Okwi, Lorenzen Melvyn. Endit