Cranes stars that must build on Tanzania tie for Afcon

KAMPALA. Majority of the Uganda Cranes players currently in Dar es Salaam to face Tanzania in the last Afcon Group L qualifier are guaranteed of tickets to Egypt for the showpiece in June.
There some that are still knocking on the door and would cherish any opportunity to impress coach Sebastien Desabre, if accorded a run-in against the Taifa Stars on Sunday at the National Stadium.
SCORE looks at the players that should not only make the team to Egypt but also break into the starting lineup.
Timothy Awany, KCCA
Been on the Cranes fringes for a while but having developed into arguably the most consistent centre-back in the local league at the moment, Timothy Awany should be ready to pair the ever present Murushid Jjuko. Capable of playing the sweeper and an excellent man-marker, Awany should naturally replace suspended Hassan Wasswa when faced with the Tanzanian attacking threat of Mbwana Samata and John Bocco.

Halid Lwaliwa, Vipers
Freed from an injury layoff, the Vipers defensive rock is eager to make up for lost time with national team setups and possibly give Awany a run for his money. Solid and with a good game reading ability, Lwaliwa will surely give Desabre a selection headache.

Kirizestom Ntambi, Coffee
The forgotten midfielder had his second bite at the cherry when Germany based right-back Herbert Bockhorn opted out with injury. This to Ntambi is the last chance to prove his worth with the national team having hopped in and out doing Serbian Micho Sredojevic’s time. The club hopper will most likely suit in the central midfield role now that Denis Guma is missing. If he gets his act together against Tanzania, Ntambi may be on that plane to Cairo because he can also offer the much craved for versatility.
Moses Opondo, Vendsyssel FF
In a crowded midfield jostle for slots, Opondo is out to prove he is not in the bulging class of the European bred players that flatter to deceive while on Cranes duty. He has no pressure while featuring for Cranes in a game they are playing for pride but he has to bring his ‘A game’ to the fore if he expects further consideration in three-month’s time.
Allan Okello, KCCA
To KCCA manager Mike Mutebi, he is the most gifted player he has ever handled, better than the legendary Jackson Mayanja in his lenses. In practical terms, Okello is yet to show that on club level and now the national team is beckoning. Any minutes Okello manages against the Taifa stars will require him to stamp his authority in a creative position that still gives the Frenchman sleepless nights.
Allan Kyambadde, KCCA
His indifferent club form left some tags wagging when he was summoned for Cranes. Kyambadde has to first silence the doubting Thomases before coerces Desabre, that he deserves a slot on the 23-man team to Egypt.