Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry has made 10 changes to the team that started against Cameroon last week, in the on-going CHAN pre-tournament.
Having drawn 1-1 with the hosts on Friday, it was expected the changes would be made for the game against Zambia as the tournament is being used as preparation for the upcoming CHAN finals.
URA FC custodian Alionzi Nafian takes over from Joel Mutakubwa in goal while there is a new-look back-four as Ssenjobe Eric, Willa Paul, Hassan Muhammod and Lwaliwa Halid all come in to replace Aziizi Kayondo, Ashraf Mandela, Paul Mbowa, Musitafa Mujuzi respectively.
Police FC captain Tonny Mawejje is the only one retaining his spot in the midfield and will operate alongside Bobosi Byaruhanga and Saidi Kyeyune in the middle of the park.
Upfront, URA FC striker Steven Mukwala will lead the line with Viane Ssekajugo and Ibrahim Orit alongside him.
Joachim Ojera and Patrick Mbowa have not made the Matchday squad.
Ben Ocen, who was sent off in the opener against Cameroon, makes the substitute bench. Tournament rules permit the player to return for the next game and Cameroon’s Yamkam Basile will also be available for Niger despite getting sent off as well.
Uganda will be seeking to become the first team to win at the pre-Chan tournament after both of the first two games ended in draws.
The Cranes have never progressed past the group stages of CHAN and will hope they will be in good shape come the finals’ tournament which starts on January 16.
McKinstry’s side is in group C alongside defending champions Morocco, Togo and neighbours Rwanda.
The Cranes XI vs Zambia
Alionzi Nafian (GK), Ssenjobe Eric, Willa Paul, Hassan Muhammod, Lwaliwa Halid (C), Bobosi Byaruhanga, Mawejje Tony, Kyeyune Saidi, Ssekajugo Viane, Orit Ibrahim, Mukwala Steven.
Substitutes
Joel Mutakubwa, Tom Ikara, Aziz Kayondo Ashraf Mandela, Musitafa Mujuzi, Hassan Muhammad, Shafiq Kagimu, Karim Watambala, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Ben Ocen, Joseph Ssemujju, Milton Karisa, Mohamed Shaban
