Vipers Sports Club, Uganda’s champions in the 2024/25 season, have been pitted against African Stars from Namibia in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Both legs are set to be played between September 19-21, 2025, with Vipers being the first visitors, and the second leg will be played between September 26-28, 2025, with Vipers being the hosts.
The winner between Vipers SC and African Stars on aggregate will progress to the next round and will face the winner between Power Dynamos of Zambia or ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast. The draws were held in Dar es salaam Tanzania on August 9, 2025 in Azam media studios.
Vipers are the double champions of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and Stanbic Uganda Cup, having finished with 69 points from 30 league games and beating KCCA FC 2-0 in the Stanbic Uganda Cup to clinch the title for the 4th time.
Having won 2 domestic titles, Vipers SC gave room to NEC FC, who finished second in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with 67 points, denying KCCA FC a chance to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup.
NEC FC, representing Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup and making their maiden continental appearance, has been pitted against Kenya’s Nairobi United, who won the 2024/25 FKF Cup. The games are scheduled for September 19-21, 2025, with NEC FC hosting the first leg at home, and the second leg will be played in Nairobi, Kenya, between September 26-28, 2025.
If NEC FC wins the two-legged tie, they’ll face either Sudan’s Al Ahly Madani or Tunisia’s Étoile Sportive du Sahel in the Second Preliminary Round. NEC FC finished the league second with 67 points, two points below champions Vipers SC, having played 30 matches, winning 20, drawing 7, and losing 3.
Uganda Cranes played their second game of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 today at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, where they beat Guinea 3-0. The Cranes fought hard and brought joy to their fans, who cheered loudly in the stands.
The first goal came in the 31st minute when SC Villa winger Reagan Mpande, making his maiden CHAN appearance, gave Uganda the lead with a fine assist from KCCA midfielder Joel Serunjoji, who is also playing in his first CHAN tournament.
The first yellow card of the match came in the 55th minute after Vipers SC centre-back Hillary Mukundane was fouled.
In the 61st minute, Uganda extended their lead through Allan Okello’s spot-kick after he was fouled in the 18-yard box and awarded a penalty following a VAR check.
In the 78th minute, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, making his maiden appearance, was introduced and later made it 3-0 with a fine finish from a Patrick Jonah Kakande assist.
Uganda Cranes coach Morley Byekwaso reacted to the team’s performance, highlighting the positives.
‘We went back to the drawing board, made some changes in our line-up and performed better. It’s not yet over; we still have two games to play and our dream is still alive to go past the group stages.’
Speaking about the captaincy, Byekwaso said, ‘We saw the captain’s armband limiting Allan Okello from doing what he is capable of. We told Torach to take over the role and he has done really well. We can build from that.’
He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support. ‘I want to thank the fans for always coming in big numbers. What amazed me is that this time we had even more than in the first game. Fans put a little pressure on us but also motivated the players to keep going. I call upon them to continue supporting us until the very end.’
Goal scorer and man of the match Allan Okello thanked the coaches for their belief. ‘The coaches kept telling us we could still do it. They told us to fight until the last whistle. I feel good to be man of the match, but I credit all my teammates because we’ve done this together. We still have a long way to go because our competitors have four points, we have three, and we need to push to fulfil our dream of getting past the group stage.’
He added, ‘We thank the fans for always loving and supporting us. We promise to do our best so we can give them the happiness they deserve.’
Uganda Cranes will face Niger on Monday 11th August 2025 and play South Africa in their final group match on Friday 18th August 2025.
Arnold Odong is a professional footballer at Sports Club Villa in Uganda.
He was born in Gulu, northern Uganda. After losing his parents as a young child, Arnold and his two siblings were left vulnerable and unable to access basic care.
‘Life was hard, with no hope of a future, as I see it now, and no education and proper medical care,’ he recalls.
A social worker who lived near Arnold’s home noticed the family’s situation and connected Arnold to Watoto ChildCare Ministries. The organisation cares for orphaned and vulnerable children by building children’s villages where they receive holistic care to grow up healthy and whole—food, clothing, medical care, education, and most importantly, the love of a mother.
While in primary school, Arnold developed an interest in football and was enrolled at the Watoto Sports Academy to nurture his talent.
In high school, he continued to develop his skills and participated in several tournaments for his school. After completing high school, Arnold attended Makerere University Business School to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
During university, he played for the university team and was identified to participate in the Buganda Kingdom Masaza Cup. At the Masaza Cup tournament, Sports Club Villa, a professional football club based in Kampala, Uganda, and competing in the Uganda Premier League, spotted him, leading to his signing with the club to play professional football.
Arnold’s notable achievement at the club was being part of the team that secured the 2024 Star Times Uganda Premier League trophy. He played twenty-five matches that season, accumulating 2271 minutes of playtime.
During the 2024/2025 Season in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, he played a total of 24 matches and scored a goal for SC Villa, accumulating 2021 minutes of playing time. He was substituted in only twice.
While at SC Villa, he was called to join the national team (Uganda Cranes), where he was called up for qualifier games for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
His most recent star performance was scoring the first goal against Senegal during the CECAFA 3 Nations Tournament last month in Tanzania. His dream now is to play football on the international stage.
‘Playing for the national team is a privilege and an honour. It’s such a pleasure to represent my nation. I’m grateful to God and everyone who has contributed to my journey,’ he says.
The 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C heats up on Friday, August 8, as co-hosts Uganda, tournament favourites Algeria, and South Africa all take to the field at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The day will feature two crucial fixtures that could shape the group standings.
In the early kick-off, Algeria will lock horns with South Africa at 5:00 PM EAT, before the hosts Uganda return to action in a high-stakes clash against Guinea at 8:00 PM.
Algeria head into their second match riding high after a commanding 3-0 win over Uganda in the tournament opener. Coach Madjid Bougherra, however, remains grounded, acknowledging the unpredictability of tournament football.
‘Every game is a final,’ Bougherra said. ‘South Africa brings a different kind of challenge — very vibrant, quick and technical. We see these players in the CAF Champions League. It’s up to us to adapt and give everything.’
On concerns about venue changes and preparation disruptions, Bougherra remained unfazed:
‘We have had to switch training grounds, but it’s part of the game. We are used to adapting. Conditions are good and there are no logistical issues.’
Despite his impressive unbeaten streak since taking over, the former Algerian international refuses to dwell on statistics.
“Yes, we have not lost and I take pride in that — but the real pressure is always about the next match, not the last one.’
Midfielder Iheb Belhocini echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasising the team’s unity and focus:
‘We are in high spirits. The camp atmosphere is great, and as always, we are approaching this as a final.’
Meanwhile, South Africa, under the leadership of Molefi Ntseki, are preparing to play their tournament match with confidence and calculated caution.
‘We appreciate CAF for organising a tournament of this scale,’ Ntseki remarked. ‘The opening minutes and the final quarter of the match are always tricky and we’ve seen that already.’
While some view Algeria’s prior match experience as an advantage, Ntseki dismissed the notion:
‘Preparation is everything. We have studied all our group opponents and our focus is purely on our own game and strengths. Algeria is strong and experienced, but so are we.’
On the challenge of assembling a squad amid domestic competitions and unattached players, Ntseki acknowledged the realities:
‘It’s the nature of African football today. Despite some players being between clubs, they have shown commitment and we are proud of them for representing the country.’
South Africa’s captain Neo Maema, brimming with anticipation, emphasized the opportunity that lies ahead:
‘This is a unique platform for us. We want to enjoy the moment but also compete at the highest level. Our goal is to win the tournament and we are ready.’
Later in the evening, all eyes will be on the Uganda Cranes as they look to bounce back from their humbling 3-0 loss to Algeria. Facing a Guinea side that edged Niger 1-0 in their opener, this match is nothing short of a must-win for the hosts.
Coach Morley Byekwaso is under no illusions about the stakes:
‘We are under pressure, no doubt. But we have worked on our mistakes and are fully focused on Guinea. We need to respond, and we are determined to do so.’
Drawing on their previous World Cup qualifier win over Guinea, Byekwaso remains cautiously optimistic:
‘We beat them months ago, but this is a different context and team. Only a few players from that game are still here. We have to earn this one afresh.’
On the fans walking out during the Algeria defeat, the coach urged renewed support:
‘We need our supporters back. We ask them to believe in us.’
Third-choice captain and dependable defender Rogers Torach echoed the coach’s positivity, expressing the squad’s readiness and determination to turn things around.
‘The team is fired up and focused. We know what is at stake and we are not dwelling on the past. Everyone is ready to fight for the badge. We want to make our fans proud and keep our dream alive,’ said Torach.
Meanwhile, Guinea coach Souleymane Camara knows a second win would secure early qualification and is keen to maintain focus.
‘We are building momentum. A 1-0 win again would be fine — it’s the points that matter. Algeria may be favourites, but we’re here to compete.’
While reluctant to reveal tactical secrets, Camara exuded quiet confidence in his squad depth and adaptability:
‘We made key changes against Niger, and they worked well. That shows we have options. No injuries, all players are available and focused.’
Asked about Uganda’s earlier win over Guinea in qualifiers, Camara waved off any talk of revenge:
‘That was a different time, different team. We are here with one objective — to give our best and advance.’
Guinea’s experienced player Ibrahima Sory Sankhon reinforced the team’s mental readiness:
‘We know the atmosphere will be charged, but we are prepared for it. We have to stay focused and correct the small mistakes.’
The Uganda Cranes are determined to reignite their campaign at the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a spirited response against Guinea in their second Group C encounter, set for Friday night at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Despite a tough start in the tournament with a 3-0 loss to North African giants Algeria, the Cranes remain focused and upbeat about their chances of bouncing back and bringing joy to the passionate home crowd.
With three group games still to play, optimism remains high in the Cranes camp as they aim to rewrite history and finally break their long-standing CHAN group stage jinx.
The biennial tournament—co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania offers Uganda a unique opportunity to advance past the group stages for the first time in their CHAN history, and the players are embracing that challenge with renewed spirit and belief.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso remained positive and confident that his charges are ready to step up.
‘We’ve put the first game behind us. Football has its ups and downs, but what matters is how you respond. The team is motivated, and we’re ready to give everything tomorrow,’ Byekwaso stated. ‘We have addressed the key areas where we fell short, and the boys are in a good place mentally. We believe we can make the country proud again.’
Coach Byekwaso also appealed to fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the power of a united home crowd.
‘Our supporters mean everything to us. Yes, the first result was disappointing, but we urge fans to return in big numbers. We are still in this fight together and their energy will lift the players. We promise to give them something to cheer about.’
The coach noted a few injury concerns with midfielder Emmanuel Anyama and Marvin Youngman being assessed for fitness, but confirmed the rest of the squad is fully prepared.
Third-choice captain and dependable defender Rogers Torach echoed the coach’s positivity, expressing the squad’s readiness and determination to turn things around.
‘The team is fired up and focused. We know what is at stake and we are not dwelling on the past. Everyone is ready to fight for the badge. We want to make our fans proud and keep our dream alive,’ said Torach.
Uganda’s last meeting with Guinea ended in a 1-0 win for the Cranes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, a result that adds to the team’s belief as they prepare to face familiar opponents on Friday night under the Namboole lights.
The team trained today at Mandela National Stadium training pitch at 10:15 AM.
Uganda Cranes midfielders Abdu Karim Watambala and Joel Sserunjogi have rallied their teammates to regroup and respond positively after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening Group C match of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday night.
The Cranes were undone by a clinical Algerian side in front of their home fans, leaving them with no room for error as they prepare to face Guinea on Friday at the same venue in a must-win fixture. Guinea opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Niger.
Joel Sserunjogi, who played the full 90 minutes against the Desert Foxes, admitted the team fell short of their expectations but remains confident they will bounce back.
‘The game didn’t go as we planned, we made some mistakes as the game was going on but we’ve worked on them. We want to win our next game and if we get the results, everything will be sorted. We picked a lot of positives against Algeria which will help us going forward,’ Sserunjogi noted.
His midfield counterpart Abdu Karim Watambala, who replaced Jude Ssemugabi at the start of the second half, injected life into Uganda’s attack with energy and intent. Despite the result, Watambala is optimistic about turning things around.
‘I have to drive the team in front and I think in the first half we lacked the force to go forward and creativity, so the coaches brought me on. When I got the opportunity, I was like, ‘Let me try to make something happen in the second half and push the team forward so that we can get a goal.’ Unfortunately, it didn’t happen but we are looking up to the next game to improve and avoid mistakes we did. Our target is to get out of the group and we believe we can achieve it,’ he said.
The Cranes now sit bottom of Group C but know that a win against Guinea will reignite their qualification hopes going into the final group match against Niger. Coach Morley Byekwaso and his technical team are expected to fine-tune their approach as they chase a crucial three points on home soil.
Following their disappointing start to the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 campaign, the Uganda Cranes resumed preparations with a recovery session held on Tuesday evening at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The Cranes suffered a 3-0 defeat to North African giants Algeria in their opening Group C match on Monday night at the Mandela National Stadium, a result that left fans and players equally disappointed.
Now turning their focus to Friday’s crucial clash against Guinea, the team regrouped at the newly built Kadiba facility, located in Mengo, Rubaga Division, Kampala. The FIFA-funded project, launched in 2018, is one of the modern football infrastructure additions to Ugandan football.
The technical team used the session to address the shortcomings from the Algeria match, with a key emphasis on sharpening attacking efficiency and improving defensive shape and concentration.
Group C action continues on Friday, August 8th, with Algeria facing South Africa in the early kickoff before Uganda squares off with Guinea in the second fixture of the day—an encounter that could prove pivotal in the Cranes’ quest to reach the knockout stage.
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Morley Byekwaso admitted that mental lapses and pressure under the spotlight contributed heavily to his team’s 3-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening Group C clash at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament on Monday night.
Facing an organized and clinical Algerian side under the floodlights at Mandela National Stadium, Uganda struggled to assert themselves, with Byekwaso acknowledging that his players were overwhelmed by the occasion.
‘We came into this game looking to give everything,’ Byekwaso said during the post-match press conference. ‘But our defensive block wasn’t solid and that exposed us. The players were anxious, and we couldn’t transition effectively. That pressure became our downfall.’
The tone was set early in the match when Algeria’s Ayoub Ghezala capitalized on a set-piece from a corner kick to break the deadlock. Two more goals from Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid sealed a dominant victory for the North Africans and left the home fans disappointed.
Uganda did create a few half-chances but lacked composure in the final third and were unable to match Algeria’s tactical sharpness.
‘After conceding the first goal, we emotionally crumbled,’ Byekwaso reflected. ‘We lost confidence, wasted good opportunities, and struggled with basic game management.’
The coach was candid in his assessment of Uganda’s deficiencies, citing issues in transition play, aerial challenges, and midfield organization as key areas that need urgent fixing.
‘We have tall players, but we were second best in aerial duels. The midfield lost shape and control, which made us vulnerable,’ he noted. ‘We need to simplify our play and keep things tighter moving forward.’
Despite the sobering defeat, Byekwaso remains hopeful that the Cranes can bounce back, with two crucial group stage matches still to play.
‘The tournament is far from over for us,’ he asserted. ‘We’ll sit down with the players, address the mistakes, and work on improving our game management. There’s still time to show our true character.’
Uganda now faces a must-win scenario in their second Group C outing against Guinea on Friday if they are to keep their knockout hopes alive. As Algeria revel in a perfect start, the Cranes must regroup quickly to avoid a premature end to their home campaign.
Co-hosts Uganda Cranes endured a rough start to their TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 campaign after falling 3-0 to a clinical Algeria side in their opening Group C fixture at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Monday night.
Backed by a passionate home crowd under the floodlights, Uganda looked to mark their first ever continental tournament on home soil with a spirited performance, but it was the Desert Foxes who dominated early proceedings and set the tone for the night.
Algeria launched their first warning sign in the 6th minute with a swift attack that tested Uganda’s backline. However, the Cranes defence stood tall and dealt with the threat.
The game’s first booking came in the 13th minute when Cranes forward Emmanuel Anyama was shown a yellow card for a foul on Algeria’s Mohammed Reda as both teams started to battle for the game control.
As the game clock approached 20 minutes, Uganda began to grow in confidence. Jude Ssemugabi, operating on the right flank, beat his marker with a clever dribble and delivered a low cross, but the Algerian defence was alert to clear the danger.
However, just as Uganda seemed to be settling into the game, a lapse in concentration at the back cost them dearly. In the 36th minute, Algerian captain Ayoub Ghezela rose highest to head home from a corner, giving the North Africans a 1-0 lead.
Things got more complicated for Uganda when Joel Sserunjogi was booked in the 41st minute for a foul on Bilel Boukerchaoui, Uganda’s second caution of the evening.
Despite five minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Uganda’s best opportunity came through Patrick Kakande but the youngster’s effort was well saved by Algeria’s goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.
Coach Morley Byekwaso made a tactical shift at the break, introducing Karim Watambala for Jude Ssemugabi. This move saw skipper Allan Okello switch to the right wing while Watambala slotted into the attacking midfield role.
The change sparked Uganda into life, as they began to dictate the pace of the game. Okello, Kakande, and Watambala all had chances to draw the Cranes level, with the fans in full voice urging them on.
Despite Uganda’s improved second-half showing, Algeria remained composed and punished the hosts with brutal efficiency. In the 69th minute, they made a double substitution: Soufiane Bayazid came on for Aimen Mahious and Mohamed Naoufel replaced Abdennour Iheb.
Just four minutes later, Uganda responded with their own double switch, Shafiq Nana Kwikiriza replaced Enock Ssebagala and Yunus Sentamu came on for Anyama.
But Algeria doubled their advantage in the 75th minute through Abderrahmane Meziane, whose composed finish gave Mutakubwa no chance.
The third goal came just three minutes later, and it was substitute Soufiane Bayazid who sealed Uganda’s fate. He rounded off goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa with ease and slotted the ball into an empty net, sending the visiting bench into celebration.
Both teams made further changes as the game wound down, but the result was all but sealed. Uganda’s promising moments in the second half were ultimately overshadowed by Algeria’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline.
The 3-0 defeat leaves Uganda at the bottom of Group C, with work to do ahead of their second match against Guinea on Friday, August 8. Guinea, who earlier beat Niger 1-0 in the day’s first Group C encounter.
After weeks of action-packed football across the country, the Round of 32 of the 2025 edition of the FUFA Tv Cup came to a dramatic conclusion, with 15 schools confirming their places in the final phase to be held in Gulu.
Unlike previous edition where the Round of 16 was played on a home-and-away basis before the final eight (nicknamed The Giant Eight) gathered in Njeru, this year’s format brings a fresh twist. All 16 winners from the Round of 32 will travel to St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu for a week-long grand finale scheduled for 1st to 7th September 2025.
This new structure will allow players, coaches, and fans to share the same footballing environment—creating lasting memories and new rivalries in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
The second leg action began on Friday, 1st August, with a tightly contested clash between Mengo Senior School and Namilyango College. Both legs ended goalless, but in the penalty shootout, Mengo’s goalkeeper stole the show—saving three penalties to send his team to Gulu with a 3-1 win in spot kicks. Mengo became the first school to secure a slot in the final 16.
Saturday brought fireworks, with five gripping matches played across the country.
St. Mary’s College Kisubi, the inaugural FUFA Tv Cup champions, promised and delivered. They showed their experience with a 2-1 home win over St. Balikuddembe SS Mitala Maria, going through on a 3-2 aggregate after drawing the first leg.
Kibuli SS once again proved their strength. With a commanding 3-0 win over Kololo SSS, they extended their clean-sheet run and are yet to concede a goal in this year’s tournament.
Ngora High School booked their spot with flair, beating St. Peter’s College Tororo 3-1 in the return leg to progress 4-1 on aggregate.
Kako SS pulled off a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Gombe SS, overturning the tie and qualifying with a 3-2 overall score.
The biggest shock of the day came from Bushenyi. Last season’s finalists Nganwa High School were knocked out by a determined St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa side, who had already won the first leg 3-0. Nganwa lost 1-2, and home crowd wasn’t enough to save them.
Sunday was all about finishing strong and claiming the remaining slots. The pressure was high, and the players delivered.
Muntuyera High School edged St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School 1-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate win.
Jinja SS comfortably saw off Mehta SS with a 2-0 home win, topping the tie 3-0 overall.
Jinja College had to work harder, needing penalties after a 1-1 draw with Kiira College Butiki. They held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4 and qualify.
Mbale SS beat Bukoyo SS 2-0, finishing the tie 3-1 on aggregate.
St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko made a statement with a 3-1 away win over St. Joseph’s College Ombaci, adding to their first-leg win for a 4-1 aggregate.
Duhaga SS showed consistency, sealing a 2-0 win against Sir Tito Winyi SSS and progressing with a 4-1 scoreline.
Our final tournament hosts St. Joseph’s College Layibi made their fans proud by defeating city rivals Gulu High School 2-1, after the first leg ended 0-0.
Nabumali High School edged Dr. Obote College Boroboro 1-0 to qualify with a 2-1 aggregate.
Mpanga SSS showed strength over both legs, winning 2-0 against Nyakasura School and cruising into the next round.
However, not all teams reached the finish line fairly. In an unfortunate development, Aduku SS and Lango College were both disqualified from the tournament due to unsporting behavior. This leaves only 15 confirmed teams.
The Organising Committee will now decide what happens to the 16th spot—whether it will be filled by a lucky loser, a wildcard, or another team based on fair play and merit.
Here Are the 15 Teams That Have Qualified (So Far):
Mengo Senior School
St. Mary’s College Kisubi
Kibuli Secondary School
Ngora High School
Kako Senior Secondary School
St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa
Muntuyera High School
Jinja Senior Seconday School
Jinja College
Mbale Secondary School
St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko
Duhaga Secondary School
St. Joseph’s College Layibi
Nabumali High School
Mpanga Senior Secondary School
Under the banner of “Excellence in Academics and Sports,” the FUFA TV Cup continues to be a platform for discipline, talent development, and national pride. Stay with us for all the action, stories, and highlights from the road to Gulu.
The Uganda Cranes are set to begin their journey in the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with a much-anticipated fixture against Algeria on Monday at 8:00 PM at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
With the home crowd behind them and history beckoning, the Cranes are aiming to break their long-standing jinx of never progressing past the group stages in six previous CHAN appearances.
Pitted in Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger, Uganda will be hoping to make a strong statement in their opener — a repeat of their 2011 encounter in Sudan, where they fell 2-0 to Algeria.
Speaking during the final pre-match media briefing, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and readiness for the challenge ahead.
“The boys must have a serious mentality; we are home playing our first game, and it’s very tricky. Our group is a group of death, but we need to have a good start for us to be on the safe side,” he emphasized.
He added that the squad is fully fit and mentally charged for the task ahead.
‘The good thing is we don’t have injuries, and every player is willing to play off their hearts in front of our fans.’
Team captain Allan Okello, who will be featuring in his maiden CHAN tournament, underscored the collective leadership needed on the pitch and the hunger within the squad to break new ground.
‘Being a leader is a blessing from God; however, on the pitch, everyone must be a leader to know what should be done. We are more than ready; we need to give it our best. Every player wants to make history for the first time, so everyone will give their best,’ Okello stated.
Reflecting on past meetings with Algeria, Okello drew lessons from their most recent clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which Uganda narrowly lost 2-1 at Namboole.
‘We played them in the World cup qualifiers and lost, but we learned from our mistakes, so there’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans, so we are prepared.’
Okello also called on fans to rally behind the team, acknowledging the vital role their support plays during matches.
‘You can get tired for some minutes, but when you hear voices behind you, you push on. So, we need fans to fill up Namboole tomorrow and in all the upcoming games; we can make history together.’
Algeria head coach Madjid Bougherra praised Uganda’s hospitality but warned that his side is equally prepared for the tough opener.
‘I thank Uganda for the reception. The country is peaceful. We are ready to face Uganda. We know what it means playing with your fans home, but we are prepared for it.’
Acknowledging Uganda’s quality and the high-stakes nature of the tournament, Bougherra added:
‘We expect a tough game. We know Uganda will do anything to make their fans proud. It’s a good game to start with — when you win it, it puts you there as a competitor of the championship.’
‘We’ve played before huge crowds and we are looking forward to the match against Uganda. It won’t be an easy game, but we are ready.’
He concluded by shifting the pressure onto the hosts:
“We need to take it game by game. It’s a different competition as teams change, so everyone starts as a favorite. We want to go as far as possible. The pressure is on Uganda as they are home, not us.”
The last encounter between Uganda and Algeria came during the 2026 FIFA World cup qualifiers, where Uganda lost 2-1, with Travis Mutyaba scoring Uganda’s only goal.
CHAN to kick-off in Tanzania on Saturday, 02 August
Major international broadcasters to show the CHAN
CHAN to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
As the three East African Nations prepare for the historic hosting of the much-anticipated TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, major African and global broadcasters will beam the matches live for the duration of the competition.
The opening fixture between Tanzania and Burkina Faso, scheduled for Saturday, 02 August 2025, will be broadcast live at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT / 19h00 CAT) and will mark the beginning of a month-long celebration of African football’s homegrown talent.
CAF traditional partners, beIN Sport, Canal+, New World TV and IMG will headline the list of broadcasters and rights holders.
In the three host countries, fans will be able to follow the tournament through familiar local channels: SuperSport, KBC and Azam TV in Kenya; Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation and Azam TV in Tanzania; and FUFA TV and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation in Uganda will bring all the action to fans in their local languages and formats.
Coverage also extends to major participating countries, including RTB in Burkina Faso, SABC in South Africa, TPA in Angola, RTNC in DR Congo, ORTM in Mali, TVM in Madagascar, and ZNBC in Zambia, ensuring fans from across all the 54 countries of the continent can follow the competition.
Beyond Africa, the matches will also be televised in key international territories via beIN Sports, CANAL+ and other continental and global networks like Sport TV in Portugal, Ziggo in the Netherlands and Band in Brazil, underlining the growing appeal of CHAN as a premier stage for Africa’s domestic football stars.
To explore the complete list of global broadcasters, CLICK HERE.
The 2024 tournament continues a proud legacy of discovering and showcasing some of the continent’s most gifted talents, among them Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi, Tresor Mputu, Meschak Elia, and Given Singuluma, all of whom rose to prominence through this unique competition designed exclusively for locally-based players.
The Final Match will be played on 30 August 2025 in Kenya, ending what promises to be one of the most memorable editions of CHAN yet.
For more on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, PAMOJA 2024, visit www.cafonline.com
Algeria’s national team arrived in Kampala on Friday evening ahead of the much-anticipated TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament, set to kick off this Saturday in Tanzania.
Dressed in sleek matching tracksuits and wheeling neatly stacked luggage, the North Africans stepped out of Entebbe International Airport to a warm Ugandan welcome.
The team, visibly relaxed after their journey, paused to soak in the vibrant cultural welcome. While some players politely nodded along to the beats, a few players and officials couldn’t resist capturing the moment on their phones.
With formalities cleared swiftly, Algeria made their way to the team bus and were driven straight to Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala, their official residence for the tournament. Located in the leafy suburb of Kololo, the hotel offers a quiet, secure, and modern retreat perfect for pre-match preparation and recovery.
The Algerian delegation appeared composed and focused a reflection of the ambition that brought them here.
They begin their CHAN 2024 campaign on Monday 4th August 2025, in the second Group C match of the evening at Mandela National Stadium, kicking off at 8:00 PM local time, against tournament hosts Uganda.
The FUFA Tv Cup Organising Committee is pleased to inform all participating schools that the final tournament of the FUFA Tv Cup 2025 will take place at St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu. The tournament will run from 1st to 7th September 2025 during the second term school holidays.
Sixteen teams will qualify from the ongoing matches and gather in Gulu for the final stage of the competition. We are excited about the progress so far and look forward to a successful and competitive conclusion to the tournament.
All schools that qualify for the final tournament will be required to submit player pass slips and recommendation letters. These documents must be submitted immediately after the Round of 32 and no later than 7th August 2025.
We thank you for your continued participation and support. We look forward to hosting the final tournament in Gulu and celebrating the talent and spirit of school football across Uganda.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled the new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), PAMOJA 2024, in a reveal that featured three of the continent’s most celebrated football icons – Victor Wanyama (Kenya), Denis Onyango (Uganda) and Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania).
The announcement comes ahead of the tournament’s much-anticipated kick-off, with the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN, PAMOJA 2024 set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 02–30 August 2025.
The three legends lent their presence and prestige to a special video released to mark the occasion, underscoring the significance of the new trophy and its alignment with the values of African football.
Unlocked by unity. Carved in glory. Behold the main attraction! 🏆
Wanyama, Ngasa, and Onyango unite to welcome a bold new era at #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024. 🧡
Guinea’s national team took so long to emerge from the Arrivals area. Initially scheduled to arrive at 10pm on Thursday night, the team finally emerged at 3:10am in the wee hours of Friday morning.
But in the end, the wait was worthwhile. Clad in traditional black and white attire and uniform black trainers, the team sauntered out of the airport building to a spectacular performance from Crane performers.
Various members of their team including officials and players joined in the dancing to the excitement of the welcoming committee and onlookers, who reached for their phones to record footage of the proceedings.
The exhibited immaculate finesse while gyrating their bodies to the tunes of Uganda’s cultural drums and beats, and it took them a while to make the short journey to their Team Bus that was waiting some 200 meters from the arrivals section.
The youthful team looked energized, fresh and eager to make a mark on the competition that starts on Saturday, August 1 in Tanzania.
Guinea will enter the fray at Mandela National Stadium on Monday when they take on Niger in an all-West African Group C opener at 5pm local time.
Guinea are residing at Four Points By The Sheraton in the heart of the city centre.
As Uganda Cranes finalise preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to kick off on August 2nd and co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, all eyes are on the 25-man squad selected to represent the nation on home soil.
Among the youthful energy and new faces are five battle-tested players who’ve already graced the CHAN stage and are now back with experience, composure and clear intentions.
Their return brings both a sense of familiarity and responsibility, as Uganda looks to progress past the group stages for the first time in history. These players have seen the highs and lows of continental football, and their leadership could prove vital when Uganda kicks off Group C action against Algeria on August 4th at Namboole Stadium.
Here’s a close look at the five returning CHAN alumni — their tournament history, what they bring to the 2024 squad, and their personal reflections.
1. Yunus Sentamu – Forward, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2014 (South Africa)
Sentamu was a teenage sensation in the 2014 CHAN edition, scoring all three of Uganda’s goals — including a brilliant brace in the Cranes’ first-ever CHAN win against Burkina Faso (2-1), and a consolation against Morocco. A decade later, the now experienced striker returns as a matured leader after playing professionally across DR Congo, Tunisia, Finland, and Albania.
Sentamu says:
“In 2014, I came in as a boy full of dreams. I’m back now as a man with a mission. This isn’t just about me scoring goals, it’s about leading a team to achieve what we’ve never done before, especially in front of our people.”
2. Joel Mutakubwa – Goalkeeper, Bul FC
CHAN Appearances: 2020 (Cameroon), 2022 (Algeria)
From third choice in 2020 to second in 2022, Mutakubwa now takes up the number one shirt for the 2024 edition. His journey through Uganda’s CHAN squads reflects growth, perseverance, and reliability — traits that will be critical between the sticks.
Mutakubwa says:
“I’ve watched from the bench, learned from the best, and now it’s my turn. I’m not just guarding the goal — I’m protecting Uganda’s hopes. At home, every save counts double.”
3. Karim Watambala – Midfielder, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2020 (Cameroon), 2022 (Algeria)
Watambala has been in two CHAN squads before, getting limited minutes, but gaining vital exposure. Known for his energy, tackling, and ball recovery, the 2024 edition could be his moment to command the midfield and help Uganda push beyond the group phase.
Watambala says:
“The previous editions prepared me for this. I’ve grown through them. This time I’m not coming to learn — I’m coming to impact. We owe our fans a deep run, and I want to be part of that journey.”
4. Marvin Joseph Youngman – Midfielder, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2022 (Algeria)
Youngman was among the few who stood out in Algeria with solid performances against DR Congo and Senegal. Calm under pressure and smart in transition, he will be expected to play a key midfield role once again in 2024.
Youngman says:
“Playing in Algeria opened my eyes to the intensity of CHAN. Now I know what it takes. Being at home makes this even more meaningful. We’re ready to give it everything — for ourselves and our country.”
5. Hilary Mukundane – Defender, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2022 (Algeria)
Mukundane was a squad member in Algeria but didn’t see playing time due to strong competition. However, after an impressive club season with Vipers SC where he was pivotal in a double title-winning campaign, “Bihogo” is determined to bring his club form to the national team setup this time around.
Mukundane says:
“In 2022, I watched from the sidelines. It gave me hunger. Now, I’ve earned my spot through performance. I’m ready to fight for the badge and push us out of the group stage.”
Uganda Cranes – 2024 TotalEnergies CHAN Group C Fixtures:
Vs Algeria: August 4, 2025 – Namboole Stadium
Vs Guinea: August 8, 2025 – Namboole Stadium
Vs Niger: August 11, 2025 – Namboole Stadium
Vs South Africa: August 18, 2025 – Namboole Stadium
As Uganda Cranes enter their seventh CHAN appearance, the presence of these five returning players provides a blend of experience and resilience. Their voices in the dressing room and influence on the pitch could be exactly what Uganda needs to finally break their group stage curse this time, on home ground.
With the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) fast approaching, Uganda is bracing to co-host its biggest football tournament yet — alongside Kenya and Tanzania — from 2nd to 30th August 2025. For Uganda Cranes, this will not only be a historic hosting moment but also a chance to rewrite their CHAN legacy.
Since their tournament debut in 2011, the Cranes have qualified for six straight editions, becoming a consistent feature in the continental showpiece for home-based players. Though a spot in the knockout stage has eluded them, the Cranes have showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly through individual goal-scoring moments.
Here’s a detailed review of Uganda’s performances in each of the past six CHAN tournaments, with a focus on their groups, host nations, results, standings, and all goal scorers:
2011 – Sudan (Group A) | Coach: Bobby Williamson
Group: Sudan, Uganda, Algeria, Gabon
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 0-2 Algeria
Uganda 1-2 Gabon
Uganda 0-1 Sudan
Final Position: 4th in Group
Goalscorer:
Ibrahim Sadam Juma (penalty vs Gabon)
Total Goals: 1
Uganda marked its CHAN debut with a spirited showing despite losing all three group games. Sadam Juma etched his name in history as Uganda’s first CHAN goal scorer.
2014 – South Africa (Group B) | Coach: Milutin “Micho” Sredojević
Group: Uganda, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Morocco
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 2-1 Burkina Faso
Uganda 0-0 Zimbabwe
Uganda 1-3 Morocco
Final Position: 3rd in Group
Goalscorer:
Yunus Sentamu (2 vs Burkina Faso, 1 vs Morocco)
Total Goals: 3
Sentamu announced himself on the continental stage with a stunning brace against Burkina Faso — Uganda’s first CHAN win — and added another against Morocco.
The Cranes showed competitiveness but fell short of progression once more. Miya and Ochaya starred in a thrilling opener against Mali.
2018 – Morocco (Group B) | Coach: Sébastien Desabre
Group: Uganda, Zambia, Namibia, Ivory Coast
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 1-3 Zambia
Uganda 0-1 Namibia
Uganda 0-0 Ivory Coast
Final Position: 4th in Group
Goalscorer:
Total Goals: 1
Derrick Nsibambi (vs Zambia)
This was a difficult campaign. Nsibambi’s goal against Zambia was the only spark in an otherwise goalless and winless run.
2020 – Cameroon (Group C) | Coach: Jonathan McKinstry
Group: Uganda, Rwanda, Togo, Morocco
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 0-0 Rwanda
Uganda 1-2 Togo
Uganda 2-5 Morocco
Final Position: 4th in Group
Goalscorers:
Saidi Kyeyune (1 vs Togo, 1 vs Morocco)
Ibrahim Orit (1 vs Morocco)
Total Goals: 3
A strong start was followed by heavy defeats. Kyeyune’s midfield efforts and Orit’s strike were silver linings in a goal-laden campaign.
2022 – Algeria (Group B | Coach: Milutin “Micho” Sredojević
Group: Uganda, Senegal, Ivory Coast, DR Congo
Matches Played: 3
Results:
Uganda 0-0 DR Congo
Uganda 1-0 Senegal
Uganda 1-3 Ivory Coast
Final Position: 3rd in Group
Goalscorers:
Milton Karisa (vs Senegal)
Moses Waiswa (penalty vs Ivory Coast)
Total Goals: 2
A tournament that almost changed Uganda’s fortunes. The win over Senegal and a gritty draw with DR Congo gave fans hope before the final group setback.
CHAN Summary (2011–2022)
Tournaments Played: 6
Total Matches: 18
Total Goals Scored: 13
Total Goals Conceded: 27
Knockout Appearances: None
2024 Edition: The Turning Point?
Now, with CHAN returning to East Africa and Uganda set to host matches for the first time ever, expectations are high. The Cranes are drawn in Group C alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa, and will open their campaign on August 4th against Algeria at the revamped Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Head coach Morley Byekwaso has assembled a squad combining proven experience and young promise. The likes of Allan Okello (captain), Yunus Sentamu, Usama Arafat, and Enock Ssebagala are expected to inspire the team forward.
With home support, Uganda Cranes will not only seek more goals but aim to finally reach the knockout stage and perhaps script their most memorable CHAN chapter yet.
