It should come as a huge blow, given the fact that the Cranes need goals and victory, but also hope that Tanzania suffers an away defeat to Algeria, to secure a spot in the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes captain Emmanuel Okwi is set to be ruled out from the team's final 2023 AFCON qualifier against Niger, at the Marakech Stadium, Morocco.
Okwi is out with injury and will not travel with the Cranes for the match set for September 7.
It should come as a huge blow, given the fact that the Cranes need goals and victory, but also hope that Tanzania suffers an away defeat to Algeria, to secure a spot in the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.
"It's a big blow not having Okwi in the team," CAF coaches' instructor Mujib Kasule told Pulse Sports Uganda.
Okwi's most recent competitive goal with the Cranes came in 2019, in a 2-0 victory against Malawi at Namboole Stadium.
But, while he is enduring a goal drought, his experience would be a valuable addition to the national team given the magnitude of the game.
"This is a very big game that needs experience and Okwi brings that to the team," Kasule added in an honest assessment.
"He will be missed but I think Bayo (Fahad) can be a perfect replacement," he added.
The others players upfront include the likes of Frank Ssebufu, Ibrahim Kasule, Richard Basangwa among others.