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KAMPALA, July 15 (Xinhua) — The Uganda National Rugby Union coach has announced the country’s squad for the upcoming 2024 Africa Rugby Cup.
The tournament will be held at the newly renovated Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala from July 20 to 28, with eight teams vying for the title.
Fred Mudoola announced the Uganda squad on Sunday night, which is made up of a mix of experienced and young players. “We have won this tournament before and hosting this tournament is a great opportunity for us to do it again,” Mudoola said.
Experienced players selected include Philip Wokorach, who plays for French side AS Bedarrides, Timothy Kisiga and Ivan Magomu. Mudoola stressed the team’s thorough preparation, including a training camp in South Africa. “The fact that we are the hosts gives us another advantage. I am sure the 28 players I have picked will get the job done.”
Speaking about the quarter-final clash with Zimbabwe, Mudula noted the importance of every match. “The match between Uganda and Zimbabwe is always tough because both teams play the same kind of rugby. But we will find a way to stop them and advance to the next round,” Mudula added.
The winner of that match will face the winner of Namibia or Burkina Faso in the semi-finals. The other quarter-finals will see Kenya take on Senegal and Algeria take on Ivory Coast.
“I can’t wait to lead the national team in front of the home fans. I call on all fans to come and give me the maximum support,” Magomue told Xinhua.
Namibia, who beat Kenya in last year’s final, now holds the record for nine Africa Cup titles. South Africa has won it three times, Kenya and Morocco twice each. Uganda and Zimbabwe have won it once each.
Uganda squad:
Forwards: Nathan Bwambel, Faraj Odugo, Jude Yuko, Asuman Mugwa, Santos Senteza, Mike Otto, Sol Kiwembi, Charles Uhuru, Elifaz Emon, Robert Aziku, Julius Opio, Brian Wandera, Byron Oktayote, Sydney Gongodio, Moses Ziwa, Alex Atulinda, Mark Omoding
Defenders: Conrad Wanyama, Poole Karungi, Ivan Magomue, Joseph Aledo, Innocent Gwokoto, Jones Kamiza, Philip Wokolach, Timothy Kisiga, Arnold Osun, Joseph Oyet, Sakim Sembusi
Substitutes: Edward Emem, Blair Ayebaziwe, Eber Atulinde, Robin Odrua, Nicholas Kato, Haruna Mohammed
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