Uganda Cranes to face Zanzibar in historic ZFF Centenary Friendly

ZFF Centenary International Friendly Match
Thursday, June 11 (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
Zanzibar v Uganda 8:15 pm (EAT)

Zanzibar, Tanzania: Uganda Cranes will return to international action on Thursday when they face Zanzibar in a special centenary international friendly match organized to celebrate 100 years of the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF).

The highly anticipated fixture will be played at the newly constructed Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, with kick-off scheduled for 8:15 pm East Africa Time.

The match forms part of a series of activities marking the ZFF’s centenary celebrations and provides Uganda’s locally based players with another opportunity to represent the national team on the international stage.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) accepted the invitation following the cancellation of Uganda’s planned international friendlies against Madagascar and Tanzania in Morocco last week due to Ebola-related concerns.

With the Morocco tour called off, head coach Paul Put has turned the Zanzibar assignment into an opportunity to assess talent from the Uganda Premier League and expand the national team player pool ahead of upcoming continental assignments.

The Belgian tactician has named a 22-man squad composed entirely of home-based players, reflecting the growing quality and competitiveness of Uganda’s domestic league.

The team began preparations on Monday at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, where players have been undergoing tactical and fitness sessions ahead of their departure to Zanzibar.

SC Villa dominate the squad selection with seven players earning call-ups, underlining the club’s strong performances during the recently concluded Uganda Premier League campaign.

Among the Villa contingent are goalkeeper David Lukwago, captain David Owori, defenders Geoffrey Lubangakene, Raymond Barasa Mangoli and Simon Ssemayange, as well as forwards Hassan Mubiru and Frank Ssebufu.

League champions Vipers SC contributed four players to the squad, including Hilary Mukundane, Usama Arafat, Abubaker Walusimbi and midfielder Karim Watambala.

KCCA FC also has a strong presence with Gavin Kizito, Herbert Achai, Joel Sserunjogi and striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe making the final list.

NEC FC are represented by goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, midfielder Joseph Sseremba and forward Richard Basangwa, while Entebbe UPPC defender Jonathan Odongo also earned a place in the travelling team.

One of the notable inclusions is midfielder Kenneth Semakula, who is currently unattached and remains the only player in the squad without a club.

For Paul Put, the match offers an important opportunity to evaluate players who could feature prominently in Uganda’s future plans, especially with preparations already underway for upcoming CHAN and AFCON assignments.

The friendly also comes at a time when competition for places in the national team continues to intensify following Uganda’s recent qualification campaigns and growing ambitions on the continental stage.

Although Zanzibar is not a FIFA-recognized national team, the island has traditionally provided strong opposition for East African neighbours and regularly participates in regional competitions under the Confederation of African Football structures.

The newly built Amaan Stadium is expected to host a large crowd as football fans join the Zanzibar Football Federation in commemorating a century of organized football on the island.

For Uganda Cranes, the fixture presents more than just a celebratory occasion. It offers players a chance to impress the technical bench, stake claims for future national team selection, and maintain momentum after the cancellation of the Morocco friendlies.

With several emerging stars and experienced league performers in the squad, Ugandan fans will be eager to see how the home-based contingent performs under the guidance of Paul Put.