Tito Okello a late inclusion in South Sudan's squad for FIFA Arab Cup

Gor Mahia forward Tito Okello has been included in the South Sudan squad that is set for the 2021 Qatar FIFA Arab Cup after being initially dropped due to illness.

The tournament is slated for 30 November–18 December with South Sudan set to take part in the qualifiers as they were paired against Jordan with the clash scheduled for Monday 21 June.

Okello will now be included in the squad after Mathare United forward Dani Lual, Wani Ivan Marcello, Jackson Morgan Obede and goalkeeper Mawien Khon Arop failed to make the cut.

The former Vipers forward was initially dropped after missing a number of training sessions following a bout with illness.

Kariobangi Sharks defender John Kuol did not travel to South Sudan despite being called up but returned to Sharks line up that lost 0-2 to Wazito FC. 

AFC Leopards Saad Musa who recently switched his nationality to represent South Sudan becoming the second Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) player to be named in the final squad.

Just like Musa, Okello also acquired South Sudanese nationality because he was not being considered for selection by the Uganda national team. South Sudan head coach Ashu Cyprian Besong was hopeful of qualifying for the tournament after rigorous preparations in the build-up. 

“We have been training hard and the team will go out to Doha to try and get a good result,” said Besong.

South Sudan squad

Goalkeepers: Majak Mawith, Ramadan John, Khamis Daniel

Defenders: Dhata Joseph, Peter Maker, Rashid Toha Rashid, Mutwakil Abdelkharim, Omot Sebit, Rehan Angier

Midfielders: Musa Saad, Stephen Pawar, Gibson Wande

Strikers: Kur Gai, Makueth Wol, Valentino Kudon Yuel, Aluk Akech, John Albino, Tito Okello