KAMPALA – Cranes head Paul Put has added the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe to the squad preparing for the upcoming African Championship (CHAN).
Ahimbisibwe, one of the consistent local League’s top strikers, is currently the second leading goal scorer with 9 goals so far this season and has led the chats most of the season.
Only Vipers attacking midfielder Allan Okello (11) has scored more than Ahimbisibwe so far.
He was, however, been overlooked on the initial 36-man squad revealed on Wednesday, as Mr. Put named his squad, a decision that sparked discussion.
The Cranes coach spoke to the media after Friday’s training session in Kampala and confirmed the addition of Ahimbisibwe.
He also revealed that four forwards — Milton Karisa of Vipers and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza of KCCA, Denis Omedi, and Hakim Kiwanuka have since pulled out.
Karisa and Kwikiriza are injured while Omedi and Kiwanuka have since exited their local clubs to join the Rwandan league in the January transfer window, making them ineligible for the CHAN tournament.
“So, we had the news that Omedi and Hakim left. Then we have Karisa and Shafik, who are injured,” Put said.
The Cranes coach has since also added KCCA winger Usama Arafat.
Ahimbisibwe will join the squad for tomorrow’s training at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The squad will be reduced to 26 players on Monday as they enter residential camp.
Uganda will play co-host to the CHAN tournament that kicks off later this month alongside Tanzania and Kenya.
