Uganda Cranes has suffered two huge injury blows as the team prepares to face Algeria in a must win AFCON 2023 qualifier match on Sunday. Defenders Joseph Ocaya and Gavin Kizito have been confirmed absent for the game, having picked up inuries.
The two were forced to train alone since they arrived in Cameroon on Monday and couldn't make the lineup for the friendly match againast DR Congo, which the Cranes lost 1-0, safe to say Ochaya and Gavin's absence was really felt in the defence.
While addressing the media, Uganda Cranes coach Micho expressed a deep concern about the absence of the two players but promised that the remaining 18man squad is well equiped and ready to shock Algeria come Sunday.
“Due to the injuries, the medical team has advised that we send them back to their respective clubs in Egypt for recovery. 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,” said Micho.
Uganda Cranes is currently tied with neighbours Tanzania at 4points each, with Cranes sitting in third position. The Algeria game is a must win if the Cranes are to improve their chances of qualifying for the AFCON tournament.
