Cranes squad for 2018 Africa Nations Cup (CHAN) named

The Uganda Cranes squad will on Wednesday start preparations ahead of the 2018 Total Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

A 30-man squad including Muhammad Shaban was named on Tuesday.

Shaban was top scorer at the recent COSAFA U-20 Championship in Zambia.

Shaban who joined Uganda Premier League Champions KCCA FC two months ago from Arua based Onduparaka FC was also part of the Uganda Cranes team at the 2016 Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon.

The 2018 Total Africa Nations Championship will take place in Morocco January 13 to February 4th. Uganda who will be based in Marrakech will play alongside Zambia, Namibia and Cote dÍvoire in Group B.

Ahmed Hussein, the Uganda FA spokesman said 30 players named will start training on Wednesday before the final 23 players are picked.

Interim coach Moses Basena who is also among the four coaches shortlisted for the national coaching job will handle the team.

The Uganda FA is expected to name a new coach before the CHAN tournament. French born coach Desabrie Sabastian, Emilio Ferrera (Belgium), former Rwanda and Sierra Leone coach John Mckinstry and Basena are the four coaches shortlisted for the job.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga (Vipers SC), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA FC), Tom Ikara Tom (Jinja Kirinya SS), Saidi Keni (Proline FC)

Midfielders: Tom Masiko (Vipers SC), Saddam Juma (KCCA FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Paul Mucureezi (KCCA FC), Allan Kateregga (KCCA FC), Allan Kyambadde (SC Villa)

Strikers: Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC), Shaban Muhammad (KCCA FC), Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars FC), Hood Kaweesa (Police FC), Daniel Isiagi (Proline FC), Mustapha Mujuzi ( Proline FC), Abubaker Kasule (Express FC), Shafik Kagimu (URA FC), Nicholas Kasozi (SC Villa), Brian Ahebwa (Mbarara City FC),  Mustapha Kiiza (KCCA FC).