By Steven Kagiri,

 Uganda Cranes head Coach Micho has on Thursday evening named his 18 man squad that will travel tomorrow Friday morning for the first leg of the second round 2015 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar at Stade Rabemananjara on Sunday leaving out goal keeper Benjamin Ochan as the main surprise.

 The SCVU who was the first choice stopper in the CHAN Championship was expected to make the cut since Robert Odongkara and first choice goal stopper Dennis Onyango are out to injury.

 Micho opted for Thika United stopper Hamza Muwonge and youthful Ismael Watenga who was a deputy to the 15 year old in the Championship that was held in South Africa.

 Kenya based trio Dan Sserunkuma and Godfrey Baba Kizito both from Gor Mahia together with Tusker’s Khalid Aucho have all made the cut.

Gadaffi Kiwanuka (KCCA), Benjamin Ochan (SCVU), Alex Kakuba (Sporting Colvilha, Portugal), Allan Kyambadde (Express), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia) and Vipers’ duo Farouk Miya and Nicholas Wadada are the players who were camp but failed to make the cut.

The team left Friday at 2:00am aboard Kenya Airways. Team skipper Andy Mwesigwa will link up with the team in Nairobi, Kenya before connecting to the Island nation of Madagascar.

FULL SQUAD:

Goal Keepers: Hamza Muwonge (Thika United) and Ismael Watenga(Vipers)

Defenders: Dennis Guma(SCVU), Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia), Andy Mwesigwa (FC Ordabasy, Kazakhstan) (C), Henry Kalungi (Richmond Kickers, US), Savio Kabugo( SCVU) and Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko, Ghana).

Midfielders:  Khalid Aucho(Tusker), Godfrey Baba Kizito(Gor Mahia), Hassan Wasswa(Unattached), Brian Majwega(KCC), Olaki Francis(Soana) and Martin Kizito Luwagga (Sporting Colvinho, Portugal).

Strikers: Dan Sserunkuma (Gor Mahia), Diego Hamis Kiiza and Emmanuel Okwi( both from Yanga African, TZ)

Team officials: Milutin Sredojevic (Head Coach), Kefa Kisala(Ass coach), Fred Kajjoba (G/K Coach), Dr Kisolo Ronald (Doctor), Crypus Mwinda (Team Manager), Fred Katende Malibu (Media officer).

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com