Uganda Braced For Zambia Test
The Cricket Cranes open their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign against Zambia in Abuja, with head coach Steve Tikolo targeting tournament victory and a place in the Africa Regional Final. Captain Riazat Ali Shah leads Uganda’s 14-man squad into the October 20–25 competition.
ABUJA, OCTOBER 19. — Uganda begin their campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C tomorrow against Zambia, with head coach Steve Tikolo targeting tournament victory and a place in the Africa Regional Final.
The build-up to the six-team competition included a captains’ press conference at Bon Octagon Hotel in Abuja and a captains’ photoshoot at the remodeled Abuja City Gate, bringing together representatives ahead of the October 20–25 tournament.
Uganda, led by captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa, face Zambia at Moshood Abiola National Stadium NCF Oval 1 at 11:30am EAT. The Cricket Cranes enter the competition as the highest-ranked side in the ICC Men’s T20I standings, at 21st, while Zambia are ranked 62nd.
Tikolo sets ambitious target
Tikolo says Uganda are aiming to win the tournament rather than merely secure progression.
“Our target is to win the tournament, not only qualify. We have spoken about that as a team, and everybody understands the goal,” he said.
The coach believes the selected 14-man squad offers a useful blend of experienced internationals and emerging players. He has also urged the team to approach every fixture seriously, stressing that T20 cricket leaves little room for complacency.
Uganda will, however, be without injured all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani and opening bowler Cosmas Kyewuta. Left-arm spinner Matthew Musinguzi is also unavailable because of academic commitments.
Zambia return with ambition
Zambia captain Javid Patel and coach Isaac Mwaba say the qualifier marks an emotional return to international cricket after an eight-year absence.
They believe an extended preparation period, involving players from the domestic leagues and those with overseas experience, has strengthened the side. Zambia hope to challenge the higher-ranked teams, spring an upset against Uganda and compete for one of the two qualifying places.
The opener offers an immediate test for both sides: Uganda must justify their favourites’ tag, while Zambia seek to make their return count.
Riazat calls for discipline
Riazat said Uganda must focus on execution, with disciplined bowling, consistent lines and lengths, and confident batting central to the team’s plans.
“We want express ourselves and focus on what we can control. We are not under any pressure. We know what we have to do,” the captain said.
Uganda face Lesotho on October 21, The Gambia on October 23, Mozambique on October 24 and hosts Nigeria on October 25. The top two teams will progress to the Africa Regional Final on the road to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
OPENING FIXTURE – TOMORROW – OCTOBER 20
Uganda vs. Zambia — 11:30am EAT,
Moshood Abiola National Stadium – NCF Oval 1, Abuja.
UGANDA’S OTHER FIXTURES – MOSHOOD ABIOLA STADIUM, ABUJA
• October 21: Lesotho vs. Uganda — 11:30am EAT, NCF Oval 2
• October 23: The Gambia vs. Uganda — 3:50pm EAT, NCF Oval 2
• October 24: Uganda vs. Mozambique — 11:30am EAT, NCF Oval 2
• October 25: Nigeria vs. Uganda — 3:50pm EAT, NCF Oval 1
UGANDA SQUAD IN NIGERIA:
Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Kenneth Waiswa (vice-captain), Alpesh Ramjani, Pius Oloka, Anas Baig Mirza, Charles Musemeza (wicketkeeper), Cyrus Kakuru (wicketkeeper), Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma and Enock Kasaija.
Qualification: The top two teams advance to the Africa Regional Final.
to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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