Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put omitted Noble Okello from the 30-man squad for next month's AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Botswana due to mandatory 21-day quarantine rules for travellers from Uganda to the United States.
Uganda will host Botswana at Hoima City Stadium on 14 November before the return leg three days later in a crucial Group I double header.
Put explained that defenders Elio Capraddosi and Jordan Obita are sidelined with injuries while heritage players Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi and Souleyman Diaby await FIFA clearance on their change of citizenship.
Okello, who plays for USL Championship side Lexington SC, faced a 21-day quarantine in Canada after the last international window against Tunisia and Libya and only recently returned to his club.
"Summoning him for this camp would mean he had to undergo the same procedure," Put said after discussing the situation with the player who understood the decision.
The 24-year-old midfielder, born in Canada and capped twice by Canada at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, switched allegiance to Uganda this year and made his Cranes debut in the draw against Tunisia.
Put hopes Okello will be available for the March international window when the qualifiers resume.
The Uganda Cranes faithful will now watch how the revised midfield copes without the Canada-raised talent in the Botswana clashes.
Why Noble Okello misses AFCON 2027 qualifiers
- Mandatory 21-day quarantine for travel from Uganda to USA
- Okello plays for Lexington SC in USL Championship
- Previous window required quarantine in Canada
- Player and coach agreed to skip November camp
- Targeting return for March 2027 qualifiers
Uganda Cranes vs Botswana fixtures
- 14 November: Uganda vs Botswana, Hoima City Stadium
- 17 November: Botswana vs Uganda, away leg
Other notable absentees
- Elio Capraddosi (injury)
- Jordan Obita (injury)
- Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi (FIFA clearance pending)
- Souleyman Diaby (FIFA clearance pending)
Source: Kawowo Sports
