Youngster Shafik Kwikiriza among the 27 summoned onto Uganda Cranes squad for South Sudan double header

Youngster Shafik Kwikiriza `Nana’ has been summoned to the Uganda National football men’s team, The Cranes ahead of the crucial 2025 AFCON Qualifiers double header against South Sudan after his impressive show against Kitara FC on Friday 27th September 2024 in Lugogo.

Shafik Kwikiriza in JIPRA jersey.

The Jinja Progressive School (JIPRA) school student and forward comes into the squad a few match days after School Football sensation from AMUS college (then)Allan Oyirwoth shook a couple tables going on to assist Uganda Cranes goal against Somalia.

Kwikiriza (20) will be another who would be set to prove something incase he’s given a chance inorder to hold onto his place in the squad just like Girondins Bordeaux midfielder Travis Mutyaba.

Onto the others names onto the squad list, experienced midfielder Taddeo Lwanga and forward Derrick Nsibambi returned onto the 27-man team for the two fixtures.

Derrick Nsibambi in National team colors.

Tadeo Lwanga in National team colors.

Nsibambi had last appeared for the Cranes in 2021’s 0-0 stalemate with Mali at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, and just like Kwikiriza, he caught the eye of Paul Putt and Sam Ssimbwa during that 2-0 win against Kitara.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)

Uganda Cranes are currently top of Group K with four points, after a hard fought 2-2 draw away to South Africa and comfortable 2-0 home win over Congo Brazzaville in Namboole in September.

Group K table

1. Uganda – 4
2. South Africa – 4
3. Congo – 3
4. South Sudan – 0

Fixtures

Friday 11th October

• Uganda Vs South Sudan, Namboole stadium

Tuesday 15th October

• South Sudan Vs Uganda, Juba stadium