Uganda Cranes attacking midfielder Allan Okello is excited to be back into the Uganda Cranes squad, after being selected among the players to take on Botswana and Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers.
Having missed out on the final squad that was selected by coach Paul Put in the qualifiers against Somalia and Guinea in November last year due of injury, the Vipers SC player is thrilled to make his return.
Okello expressed his excitement in an interview with NBS Sport saying, “I clearly missed it (being out of the Cranes squad) and I’m very excited to be back.”
He went on to state that his good performance for the Venoms in the second half of the season after returning from injury, might have been the reason behind his selection.
“I was very committed and determined to have a good season in the league, and it’s all paid off with a return to the National team. I’m very hopeful that I’ll have a good outing with the Cranes in these qualifiers,” he said.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has previously represented Uganda’s U20 and U23 national teams, made his debut for the senior Cranes team in 2019 under then-coach Sebastian Desabre.
In his debut match against Somalia in the CECAFA Cup, Okello scored the two goals for Uganda in a 2-0 victory at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
The former KCCA FC player will have the opportunity to play for the Uganda Cranes at Namboole Stadium for the first time in his career, when they face Botswana tomorrow at 7pm.
Uganda will then take on Algeria on Monday, 10th June in another World Cup qualifier game, aiming to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in North America.
