The Uganda Cranes kick off their preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) today, January 10th, at the Maroons FC Stadium in Luzira.
However, the team’s initial training session comes amidst notable changes to the 36-player provisional squad named by head coach Paul Put.
Denis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuka, who had been named in the initial squad, are no longer eligible for CHAN after completing international moves to Rwanda’s APR FC.
CHAN regulations restrict participation to players competing in domestic leagues. Additionally, Vipers SC forward Milton Karisa has been ruled out after sustaining an injury that will sideline him for two months.
To address the changes, KCCA FC midfielder Usama Arafat has been drafted into the squad as preparations for the tournament, set to run from February 1st to 28th, 2025, gather momentum.
Speaking ahead of the opening session, Coach Put reiterated the importance of the training camp and the initial assessment phase.
“The first three days will focus on assessing the players before trimming the squad to 26. The remaining players will continue training separately, following our program to stay ready for any opportunities,” he explained.
The Cranes’ camp will include two international friendly matches, scheduled for January 17th and January 24th, as they fine-tune their preparations for the continental competition.
CHAN 2024 will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, offering the Cranes the unique advantage of competing on home soil.
