Huge blow for Uganda Cranes as duo ruled out of Algeria clash

Joseph Ochaya during a recent warm-up session with the team (Courtesy).

AFCON 2023 Huge blow for Uganda Cranes as duo ruled out of Algeria clash

Fred Mwambu • 07:01 - 15.06.2023

Gavin Kizito and Joseph Ochaya picked up knocks and failed to recover in time for the crucial 2023 AFCON qualifier against Algeria that could decide Uganda’s fate.

Defenders Gavin Kizito and Joseph Ochaya have been ruled out of the Uganda Cranes 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria scheduled for this Sunday 18th June, in Cameroon.

The duo picked up knocks and failed to recover in time for the crucial duel that could decide Uganda’s fate.

The two players were not drafted in the team that lost 1-0 to coach Sebastian Desabre’s DR Congo after training alone on Monday and Tuesday after arrival.

“Due to the injuries, the medical team has advised that we send them back to their respective clubs in Egypt for recovery,” a crestfallen Micho revealed the developments.

However, The Serbian was confident that the remaining players in camp would complete the mission on Sunday and keep the team in contention for a place.

“We shall use 18 players and three goalkeepers and we know that we’re carrying on ourselves a very heavy weight of expectations but I want to take all the pressure from the players so that they come and show what they’re capable of,” he added.

Their departure is a huge blow, especially after DR Congo exposed the defensive frailties in the team.

Uganda is tied with Tanzania on four points and will need to beat the odds and surprise Algeria to maintain a chance of grabbing the remaining slot in Group F.

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