Uganda Cranes officially kicked off their preparations ahead of the CHAN Qualifiers.

The team entered residential camp on Monday morning at Cranes Paradise Hotel.

The Boys later held a training session in the evening at Kampala Quality Primary School.

But 21 of the 40 players summoned by coach Milutin Micho Sredejovic turned up.

All Vipers and KCCA FC players did not show up – Vipers are preparing for CAF Champions League qualifiers and have a couple of regional friendlies lined up while KCCA just started preseason preps.

Richard Anyama (Arua Hill), Hilary Onek (BUL), Rashid Kawawa (Arua Hill) and Mohammed Shaban (Onduparaka) also didn’t attent Monday’s training session.

Micho said that some players are engaged with their FUFA Drum teams, a move he respects.

Uganda Cranes, seeking to return to CHAN finals, will face winner between Somalia and Tanzania.

Tanzania won the first leg 1-0 against hosts Somalia, in a match held in Dar as the latter have no stadium passed by FIFA.

The first leg will take place between 26th -28th August while Uganda will host the return leg on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Players currently in camp

Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Emmanuel Kalyowa (BUL FC), Denis Otim (Express FC), Mathias Muwanga (Onduparaka FC)

Defenders
Najib Fesali (URA FC), Joseph Bright Vuni (Arua Hill SC), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), James Begisa (URA FC), Hillary Onek (BUL FC), Brian Mato (Proline FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), George Kaddu (Wakiso Giants FC)

Midfielders
George Kasonko (BUL FC), Titus Ssematimba(Wakiso Giants FC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Simon Peter Oketch (BUL FC)

Forwards
Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Isma Mugulusi (Unattached), Martin Kizza (Express FC), Richard Basangwa (Gaddafi FC), Oscar Mawa (SC Villa)