The Uganda national team have suffered a huge blow ahead of their international friendly back-to-back matches against Mali and Zambia. 

The first international friendly for Uganda is against Mali at the Stade Du Mars Stadium in Bamako, and the second is on Tuesday against Zambia.

Ismail Watenga, the goalkeeper, will not play against Mali on Friday (today) because of an injury he picked up in practice.

However, Watenga, 28 has been in perfect form for his South African side Golden Arrows as he has managed to keep three clean sheets and 24 saves in 8 appearances this season.  

The former Chippa United Goalkeeper made his debut appearance for the national team in 2014 ahead of the CHAN tournament and has become a regular in the squad. 

Meanwhile, it remains unclear if the Golden Arrows goalie will be available for selection for the match against Zambia on Tuesday next week. 

Uganda is using the two matches as part of preparation ahead of the Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers set to begin in November.

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The Cranes, who are in Group G with Algeria, Guinea, Mozambique, Botswana, and Somalia, hope to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever.