36 Players Called Up for CHAN Preparations
The Uganda Cranes Head Coach, Paul Joseph Put, has announced a 36-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala.

The team is an assortment of talent, with four goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 10 midfielders, and 10 forwards. Among the notable selections are James Bogere, Brian Ijara, and Isima Magala, who recently played key roles in guiding Uganda’s U17 National Team to AFCON qualification.

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Training to Start on January 10
The Cranes will begin the preparations with non-residential training from Friday, January 10, to Sunday. The team then moves into a residential camp on Monday at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.

Coach Put outlined the initial plan:
The first three days will be for assessment of the players, after which the squad will be trimmed down to 26. But those who will not stay in camp will also continue with our programme to keep them ready,” he said.

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**A Chance for Young Talent to Shine
Coach Put did express confidence in the teenagers included in this squad, who he believes such tournaments as CHAN provide for the unique occasions.

I believe that these young players are ready. It is the chance for them to train at a better level and compete at that level. Players of their age are already representing senior teams globally. They have the potential, and this is the moment for proving themselves,” said Put.

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**International Friendlies Scheduled
To sharpen the readiness of the team, two international friendlies have been scheduled. The matches come on January 17 and a week later, opportunities that are considered priceless to have the Cranes test their strengths ahead of CHAN.

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**Host Nations and Tournament Details
The CHAN 2024, a tournament reserved for players competing in their home leagues, will run from February 1 to 28, 2025. For the first time, the competition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

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Full Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers:

• Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC)
• Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC)
• Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
• Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders:

• Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC)
• Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
• Moses Aliro (URA FC)
• Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC)
• Enock Walusimbi (URA FC)
• Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
• Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
• Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
• Walter Ochora (BUL FC)
• James Begisa Penza (URA FC)
• Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
• Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Midfielders:

• Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
• Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC)
• Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC)
• Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC)
• Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa)
• Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
• Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
• Brian Ijara (KCCA FC)
• Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
• Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)

Forwards:

• Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa)
• Milton Karisa (Vipers SC)
• Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)
• Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
• Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
• Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC)
• Isaac Ogwang (Police FC)
• James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC)
• Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC)
  Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)

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Excitement Builds for CHAN 2024
The Cranes are getting ready for CHAN, and the fans are on tenterhooks, waiting to see this energetic team perform. Uganda is expected to make a big impact at the tournament, with its mix of experienced players and emerging talent.

Stay tuned for updates as the Cranes get ready to take flight in East Africa’s most anticipated football showdown!