Author: Ahmed Marsha

CAF B coaching course set to climax this Sunday

The two week Confederation of African Football (CAF) coaching course that kicked off at Fufa Technical centre in Njeru on Monday 9th January and stretches up to Sunday 12th January 2017 will climax on Sunday

49 coaches from the super division clubs and some from other National Football Teams are attending the course supervised by Sunday Kayuni, a CAF instructor from Tanzania.

The participants are being taken through different coaching course units including

The Theory of coaching methods; practical, physical preparation for teams in realistic activity; the theory and practice of defensive play; defending in a game situation; attacking and defending at set plays, corners and throw ins; playing in the final third of the field; systems of play – which was a power point presentation; process of team selection and communication with players on the bench during a game and practical sessions relating to retaining shape (defensively) and value of mobility in attack.

Also in Modern trends in football, Planning and pre-season preparation, System Development and Evaluation, Ball possession and communication, Game reading and Match Analysis among others.

One of the participating coaches, Golola of Club Vipers is thrilled with the course modules and he hopes this will help him know deeply about the game.

“I want to first thank CAF and FUFA for organizing for us this course because we have learnt a lot in these two weeks we have been here and I feel am now technically uplifted.”

“We have now learnt new modern tactics that I feel will help us in developing good players for the future.” Remarked soft-spoken Golola.

Course will climax on Sunday 22 and FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha is expected to preside over at the closing ceremony

The CAF Coaching course is aimed at helping to educate and equip coaches with new modern coaching knowledge at various levels at their work-places.

January 20, 2017
2017 AFCON: Egypt vs Uganda; Pre-match press conference

Total 2017 AFCON-Group D

Egypt vs Uganda

Stade Port Gentil

10pm EAST (8pm in Gabon)

Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and regular player Hassan Wasswa Mawanda were at the official pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Total 2017 AFCON finals Group D match in Port Gentil.

Egypt and Uganda will face on Saturday at 10pm (EAST, 8pm in Gabon).

Prior to the press conference, both teams Uganda and Egypt had representatives at the mandatory coordination meeting in preparation for the game.

Manager Chrispus Muyinda, Rogers Byamukama, Ahmed Hussein and Dr. Ronald Kisolo represented Uganda Cranes at the meeting.

Uganda will wear White tops, black shorts and white socks. Uganda Cranes goalkeepers will put on all yellow.

Egypt has confirmed to use red top, white, black socks with white strips while the keepers all Green.

Press conference for Uganda Cranes

Hassan Wasswa Mawanda

‘We are not under any pressure. We are here to enjoy the tournament, learn alot and get good results against all the teams we play against. Our net game will be very important to the entire team’ said Hassan Wasswa who represented the captain Geoffrey Massa.

We know what the Egyptians can offer on the table. We have studied them for a long time and we are ready for the match’

‘Come tomorrow anyone who has done his homework well will win the game. We have done ours and let us wait for the match against Egypt’

‘We came here to work and enjoy our football. We are taking each game at a time’

Hassan Wasswa in Yellow during the press conference. On the left is CAF Media officer Ayishat.

Milutin ‘Miccho’ Sredojevic-Head coach Uganda Cranes

‘We know the value of tomorrow’s match. We think out the fans back home in Uganda and how much joy we shall bring on their faces when we get a good result against Egypt’ said Micho.

Micho at the press conference on Friday afternoon in Port Gentil.

Uganda Cranes will hold the final training session later today at 7pm, Stade Sogara.

January 20, 2017
AFCON 2017: Pictorial; Uganda Cranes training on Thursday

Uganda Cranes enjoyed a work out at the Satde Annex inPort Gentil on Thursday evening as they prepare for Saturday’s Total 2017 AFCON Group D match against Egypt.

We bring you captivating photos from today’s training.

Pix

Showing skills-Head coach Milutin Sredojevic with the ball

Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajob with his brigade Onyango Denis, Odongkara Robert and Salim Jamal

Timothy Awany with the ball during training on Thursday

January 19, 2017

Total AFCON 2017: Quotes from the Uganda Cranes camp in Gabon

Uganda Cranes will play Egypt on Saturday at the Port Gentil Stadium on Saturday night.

The mood at the team Hotel Du Parc in Gabon is positive and promising.

The different players have spoken to www.fufa.co.ug and reveal their thoughts, expectations and demands ahead of the Egypt and Mali group D matches.

Dennis Onyango: I urge Ugandans to rally behind the team. This has been the first time for Uganda in over 39 years to make the continental grade.

Hassan Wasswa Mawanda: Playing at AFCON finals has been a great experience. It is a learning curve and we remain composed because the next match is the most important at the moment.

Faruku Miya: We are focused and set for Egypt. We have recovered from the loss and as men, we now what brought us in Gabon. We shall fight as hard as possible

Aucho Khalid: It was sad to watch from the sidelines when we lost 1-0 to Ghana. Now I am glad that I am back into contention for the match against Egypt. I call upon every Ugandan to support us like they have always done.

Muhammed Shaban: To play at AFCON 2017 is my biggest reward of football. I will continue working hard to work with my teammates in all the matches. I am also happy for the senior players like Geofrey Massa who have helped me work hard and settle quickly. I am focused for the Uganda Cranes duty.

Uganda Cranes technical bench officials sing the national anthem ahead of kick off

Head Coach Micho: We have continued to recover from the Ghana loss in a record time. Personally, I am happy for the response from the players. We have Thursday and Friday to polish up our mistakes ahead of the remaining matches. Players are being empowered with the mental and tactical strategies.

Assistant Coach Moses Basena: Decision making remains a key aspect ahead of Uganda Cranes game with Egypt. We have to be quick in every decision undertaken and making the right decisions at the right timing.

Goalkeeping Coach Fred Kajoba: All the players are in the right shape with no injuries. It now calls for collective team effort (team work) and self belief ahead of our remaining group matches. I am happy for goalkeeper Dennis Onyango and the rest of the players on the team. Football is a team effort and calls for sacrifice, team work, determination and self belief.

January 19, 2017

Total AFCON 2017: Juuko, Aucho will boost the team

Uganda Cranes will have two more players available for selection as they head into the fixture against Egypt on Saturday at Stade Port Gentil in the ongoing Total AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.

Defender Murushid Juuko and midfielder Khalid Aucho missed the game against Ghana which Cranes lost 1-o. The due were serving suspension picked up from the qualification campaign.

Juuko and Aucho trained on Wednesday at Stade Sogara and head coach Micho said he is happy to see the players back.

‘Let us plan accordingly following the availability of the two players. Juuko and Aucho will add value to the team. I will not face any headache in the team selection. We always need our best players all available for duty’ said Micho.

Hassan Wasswa told www.fufa.co.ug that his fellow players are looking forward to the game against the Pharaohs

‘We are not under any pressure. We shall play to get better for results to keep us in the competition. The players are fired up as you evidenced in training’

Uganda Cranes will return to training on Thursday afternoon at Stade Sogara starting 3.30pm. All Photos were taken from Wednesday’s training.

January 18, 2017

Governance: FUFA issued with certificate of registration by NCS

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has received a certificate of registration to continue running the most popular sport in the country.

The certificate was handed over to FUFA 1^st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Executive Committee Member Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel and FUFA Legal officer Denis Lukambi by the NCS Chairman, Technical Hajji Zubair Galiwango at Lugogo.

‘The certificate of registration issued to FUFA shows what we have been sensitizing people about the rightful owners of the game in the country. The issuance of the certificate is good news to the 33 Members of FUFA’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein

‘We need to continue with our programmes as the public expects a lot from us. Our five year strategic plan approved by the Assembly in Luweero is what we are following for execution’ added Hussein

‘FUFA would like to thank the Government through the National council of sports and Ministry of lands, Housing and Urban Development, senior Executive members and our legal team that has done a wonderful job during this process.

The issuance of the certificate buries almost any hopes of glimmer by any individuals or disgruntled groups who were claiming legality to run football in Uganda.

January 18, 2017

Total 2017 AFCON: Ghana vs Uganda; Micho at the Post Match press conference

Here are Milutin Sredojevic’s post match press conference quotes at Stade Port Gentil after Uganda Cranes fell to Ghana on Tuesday 17th January, 2017

‘WE SHALL GIVE 200% AGAINST EGYPT ON SATURDAY’

We have not been here for 39 years. In the first half, we had what I call stage fright.

We committed a mistake that I cannot explain and Andrew Ayew scored from the penalty.

At halftime, we needed to awaken the players so that they believe we can play in tournaments like this.

We made a risk at the latter stages playing 3-2-5 but it didn’t work. I am very proud of my team and will not look for individual mistakes. My team has shown that we have the technical and physical ability but we still have to work more.

We will play against giants Egypt and Mali and we will make sure to give 200% of our efforts.

Micho at the post match press conference with Ghana coach Avram Grany

We came with a mission to prove that we did not qualify by accident, and I believe we showed that.

We showed that we can play even for more than 90 minutes.

But sometimes there are some naive mistakes may be because of the pressure of being a goal down.

I have learnt that at this level of competition we cannot make silly mistakes like what we have done and we will not do that against Egypt and Mali.

We have done everything to get a good result and this has been a great lesson for my players.

We showed that we are capable playing against the best in Africa.

I congratulate Ghana who are always a top team in Africa. We will have two key players Murshid Juuko and Khalid Aucho back from suspension and I believe we shall get better against Egypt.

January 18, 2017

Total AFCON 2017 finals: Ghana defeats Uganda at Port Gentil

Full-Time: Ghana Black Stars 1-0 Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes fell down 1-0 to Ghana Black Stars during the group D opener at Port Gentil stadium.

Andre Ayew slotted home the lone strike of the day, a penalty in the 31st minute after a professional foul on Harrison Afful by defender Isaac Isinde.

Isinde also received a booking for the foul.

Isaac Isinde and Michael Azira combine forces to stop Jordan Ayew

Christian Atsu of Ghana being closed down by Joseph Ochaya

The Cranes created a couple of changes through Faruku Miya, who shot at the base of the post after a played through ball by William Luwagga Kizito.

Team skipper Geofrey Massa, Miya and Mawejjje all had attempts narrowly missed.

Wiliam Luwagga Kizito dribbles during the match

Uganda played Gallantly but lost the battle upon return to the Africa Cup of Nations championship after a 39 year absence.

The next game for Uganda will be on Saturday, 21st January 2017 against Egypt. On the same day, Ghana will return to action against Mali. Both matches will be played at Port Gentil Stadium.

Goalkeeper Denis Onyango had a great day at office despite conceding a penalty

Team line ups:

Ghana XI: Braimah Razak (G.K), Abdul Rahman Baba, Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, John Boye, Mubarak Wakaso, Thomas Teye Partey, Jordan Pierre Ayew, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Asamoah Gyan (Captain)

Changes:

37′ Frank Opoku Acheampong replaced Abdul Rahman Baba

71′ Asamoah Gyan with Emmanuel Badu Agyeman replaced Asmoah Gyan

83′ Afriye Acquah replaced Andre Ayew

Subs Not Used:

Richard Ofori (G.K), Abdual Fatawu Dauda (G.K), Andrew Kyere Yiadom, Jonathan Mensah, Ebenezar Assifuah, Bernard Tekpetey, Edwin Gyimah, Samuel Tetteh

Head coach: Abraham Grant (Israel)

Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwaga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa (Captain)

Changes:

45′ Moses Oloya replaces Michael Azira

59′ Muhammed Shaban replaced William Luwagga Kizito

69′ Geofrey Sserunkuma replaced Isaac Isinde

Subs Not Used:

Robert Odongkara (G.K), Yunus Junior Sentamu, Nico Wadada Wakiro, Godfrey Walusimbi, Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Timothy Dennis Awany, Shafiq Batambuze

Not available: Khalid Aucho, Murushid Juuko

Head coach: Milutin Sredojevic (Serbia)

Match officials:

Center Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)

1^st Assistant Referee: Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria)

2^nd Assistant Referee: Olivier Safari Kabene (Cote D’Ivoire)

Follow key moments

Kick off: 7 p.m East African time

1′ Start of the game: Ghana 0-0 Uganda Cranes

3′ Tonny Mawejje tests goalie Razak Brimah from about 20 yards on the left side of the playing field.

10′ Ghana 0-0 Uganda

17′ Corner for Ghana.

20′ Ghana 0-0 Uganda

27′ Ghana 0-0 Uganda

31′ Goal for Ghana through Andre Ayew’s penalty.

37′ Frank Opoku Acheampong replaced injured Abdul Rahman Baba.

43′ Faruku Miya shot hits the lower post for Ghana. Chance missed for Uganda missed.

HALF TIME: GHANA 1-0 UGANDA

Second Half start: Ghana 1-0 Uganda. Change for Uganda. Moses Oloya comes in for Michael Azira

59′ Muhammed Shaban replaces William Luwagga Kizito

69′ Geofrey Sserunkuma replaces Isaac Isinde

90′ Three minutes of added time

Full-Time: GHANA BLACK STARS 1-0 UGANDA CRANES

January 17, 2017

Total AFCON 2017: Uganda Cranes starting XI vs. Ghana

Uganda Cranes team to face Ghana Black Stars has been named by the technical team.

The match starts at 7 p.m Ugandan time and will be live on 102.1 FUFA f.m as well as all the FUFA official media plat forms (website, facebook and twitter handles).

The team is focused and set to face Ghana at the Port Gentil Stadiu facility.

UGANDA CRANES XI: Dennis Onyango (GK), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje,Geofrey Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geofrey Massa

January 17, 2017

FUFA Executive member Sam Lwere loses his mother

FUFA is mourning the loss of Ms Ruth Mutunga the mother of Executive Member Mr. Sam Lwere who died from Nsambya Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

‘We have received the sad news of the loss of Madam Ruth Mutunga. These are tough times for the family of our Executive member’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.

‘The news comes on the day Uganda Cranes will play Ghana in the opening match of the AFCON 2017 in Gabon. It is unfortunate that our beloved mother will not be able to watch the Cranes in action back to the AFCON after 39 years’ added FUFA President.

‘Only the Almighty has plans for each human life’

Burial arrangements will be communicated later.

May her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

January 17, 2017

AFCON 2017: Micho; What I know about Ghana will be revealed to the players

TOTAL AFCON 2017-GABON

TUESDAY: GHANA VS UGANDA

TIME: 5 PM (IN GABON, 7 PM EAST)

VENUE: STADE PORT GENTIL

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says that he players are ready for the big stage as they plot for their first outing at the AFCON finals since 1978.

Micho’s comments were made at the official CAF Press conference for Uganda Cranes coach and team captain Geoffrey Massa attended by the media at the Media centre- Stade Port Gentil.

Micho had just completed his final training session with the Uganda Cranes at Stade Sogara before he headed to the press conference with the Massa and Team media officer Ahmed Hussein.

Mich0 (2nd L) and Massa (R) during the CAF official press conference on Monday at the Media Centre-Stade Port Gentil

‘My team has no experience playing at this stage. However we know the expectations of the entire country when Uganda Cranes against the giants. It will not be different when Uganda plays Ghana on Tuesday’ said Micho.

Micho added; ‘History of the matches played between Uganda and Ghana will not be part of tomorrow’s outing’

When he was asked about any possible scouting done on Ghana if any, the Serbian coach said he had a lot of work to focus on but he was quick to throw in a brief on the question.

‘What I know about Ghana will only be told to the players. We know they have solved the problems they had at home but let us wait for tomorrow as this team is focused’

Massa speaks out at press conference

Massa’s name has already been inked in the Uganda football history books as the captain who took back his country to the AFCON finals after 39 years.

However Massa says that in Micho, the country has a wonderful coach.

‘We have a great coach who knows how to handle young and senior players. We believe in him and he knows how to get the best out of us’

‘We are not here as tourists, we came here for business. We are here on purpose and we will start it tomorrow against Ghana’

‘ It is a good feeling to be my team captain after all these years. It’s a motivation to the players and we are all happy and can’t wait for tomorrow.

‘It won’t be easy against Ghana but we know why we are here. We had good results against them recently. Millions of people are waiting for us with happiness and this is our motivation’

Players traning on Monday at Stade Sogara

Earlier in the day the Minister of state for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Commissioner for Sports Lamex Omara Apita joined the Cranes camp today.

Bakkabulindi told players that Government is heavily engaged with sports federations on how they can be financed.

‘Government has supported the Cranes by providing UGX 2bn. They had a budget for this tournament but we should be happy that Government came in and supported part of the preparations’ said Bakkabulindi.

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo that the country is eagerly waiting for tomorrow’s match. We need to remain focused. Let us plan for the game on Tuesday’

L-R FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Byamukama, FUFA President, Sports Minister and Micho

The day’s activities also saw the Ugandan Contingent attend the match coordination meeting where it was also confirmed by CAF that defenders Murushidi Juuko and Khalid Aucho will not play in tomorrow’s game due to suspension. The cards accumulated during the qualification campaign.

Uganda will wear red shirts, white shorts and red stockings.

Players take group photo with Glo CAF awards

The players enjoyed a moment for a group photo where Glo CAF African player of the year based in Africa-Denis Onyango and the National team of the year awards were on display.

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes players in a group photo with FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo 5th Left (front row) and team officials. Skipper Geoffrey Massa (4th L is holding the Glo CAF National team of the year award) while Denis Onyango (6th L) has the award he won from CAF (African player of the year).

January 16, 2017

AFCON 2017: Uganda Cranes trains on Sunday at Stade Tchengue

Uganda Cranes enjoyed a second successive full training on Sunday but on a different stadium from the one used on Saturday night.

Cranes in Gabon for the Total 2017 AFCON Finals, used Stade Tchengue stadium which is opposite the main stadium for Tuesday’s game against Ghana.

Faruku Miya (M) getting close to the ball during training on Sunday morning.

All Cranes players were fully involved except for experienced Denis Iguma who was taken to hospital for an appointment with the dentist due to a problematic tooth.

Iguma later took part in the mandatory CAF briefing for the Uganda Cranes 35 contingent on media, marketing, security and refereeing ahead of Tuesday’s game.

L-R Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara, Godfrey Walusimbi and Geoffrey Sserunkuma in training

The official photo shoot in the same jersey (red shirts, black shorts) to be used in Cranes opening match for the players was also conducted at the Hotel Du Parc where the team is accommodated.

Shortly after the training Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic was optimistic of Uganda Cranes chances.

Uganda Cranes players stretching as part of the training session on Sunday

‘We are here on merit. We have a huge following and suport from our people back home in Uganda. Let’s wait and see what happens on Tuesday but we are edging closer to a very historic day after 39 years without taking part in the AFCON finals’ said Micho.

Uganda Cranes skipper Geoffrey Massa said his teammates are more than ready.

‘The two training sessions have opened our eyes and we keep learning each passing day. We are here on a mission. Games between Uganda and Ghana are always closely contested’ said Massa.

Uganda Cranes will conduct the final training session on Monday morning at 11 O’clock at Stade Sogara-not main stadium for Tuesday’s game.

The local organizing Committee has already communicated to all Group D teams-Uganda, Ghana, Egypt and Mali that the main stadium will not be used as per usual rules and regulations.

However schedules have been released for all teams to conduct familiarization tours of the Main stadium for Uganda Cranes it will be at 6.15pm Local time in Gabon).

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes and Tusker FC defender Shafik Batambuze with the ball during Sunday’s training session at the Stade Tchengue in Port Gentil. Nicholas Wadada and Kizito Luwagga featuring on the same team during training were closing in one Batambuze. Tony Mawejje in pink top is monitoring the situation.

January 15, 2017

Pictorial of Uganda Cranes training in Port Gentil

Uganda Cranes players had their first work out on Saturday underflood lights at the Stade Sogara-reserved for Group D teams’ training sessions by the organisers of the Total AFCON 2017, Gabon.

The players were in great mood and all trained well. www.fufa.co.ug brings you the traning in pictorial.

Uganda Cranes coach Mulutin Sredojevic with his players during training

Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba (R) showing his skills with the ball as Odongkara (L) and Glo CAF African player of the year Denis Onyango (M) close him down.

Goalkeepers’ territory: (L-R) Salim Jamal, Odongkara, Kajoba and Onyango during training at Stade Sogara

Uganda Cranes players stretching as Micho in red closely monitors is troops

Hard work pays: Uganda Cranes players in a different style work out session at Stade Sogara

Uganda Cranes players put on all black attire and red stockings during training.

Prayer moment for the entire Uganda Cranes contingent in Gabon after training at Stade Sogara in Port Gentil.

January 15, 2017

Total 2017 AFCON: Uganda Cranes contingent arrives in Gabon, players looking forward continental action

The Ugandan contingent has safely arrived on Saturday afternoon in Gabon ahead of their opening fixture against Ghana on Tuesday in Port Gentil.

FUFA advance team of 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye and Depurty CEO Humphrey Mandu were at Port Gentil Airport with Local organising Committee team to receive the team.

A 35 man contingent has been accommodated at Hotel Du Parc located along the shores of Atlantic Ocean.

The contingent including a group of fans and media all boarded a dometsic flight from Libreville to Port Gentil.

The journey started with a retrun from Dubai, a stop over where they spent the night in Ethioipa before flying out direct to Libreville on Saturday morning.

A local dance troupe as part of the warm reception to the guests also entertained the Contingent as they arrived at the team hotel.

Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic will hold his team’s first training session at Stade Sogara, 7pm (local time in Gabon) 9 pm EAST. It is a five minute drive from Hotel Du Parc while reaching the main stadium takes about 25 minutes.

Players speak out on arrival in Gabon

Team captain Geoffrey Massa

‘We know why we are here. We are on the same table with big boys of African football and we know they are planning for us but we are ready for the battle come next week’

Dennis Onyango-Uganda Cranes goalkeeper/ Glo CAF player of the year based in Africa

‘We are set for the training sessions before playing our first match. All players are raring to go. We are praying day by day for the best results’ said the 1st assistant captain of the Cranes

Tony Mawejje- 2nd Assistant captain of Uganda Cranes

‘We dreamt about this opportunity. We are not here to participate but play competitive football’

Mike Azira-Colorado Rapids star player, playing in midfield for Cranes

‘The boys have already created competition in the team. We are happy to be here. we shall offer our best to the country to make our fans happy’

Faruku Miya-scorer of the goal when Uganda Cranes beat Comoros 1-0mto qualify for the AFCON 2017 finals

‘We worked as a team. That goal wasn’t about me alone but the entire team that put in alot to deliver and make every Ugandan happy. We shall not change from our basics of team work’

LOD: FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo

Hamid Juma-Chairman Technical Committee

Rogers Byamukama-LOD with team in UAE

Head coach: Sredojevic Milutin

Assistant Coach: Basena Moses

Goal keeper coach: Kajoba Fred

Team Physician: Dr. Kisolo Ronald

Team Physiotherapist: Ssewanyana Ivan

Communictions: Ahmed Hussein

Kits man: Lugolobi Saidi

Goalkeepers: Salim Jamal (Al Merrikh, Sudan), Robert Odongkara (Saint George, Ethiopia), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

Defenders: Timothy Dennis Awany (KCCA, Uganda), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA), Shafiq Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya), Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Isaac Isinde (Unattached), Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), Nicholas Wadada (Vipers, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa), Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA), Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quang Ninh, Vietnam), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal), Tony Mawejje (Thotur, Iceland), Hassan Wasswa (Nijmeh, Lebanon), Moses Oloya (Hanoi T and T, Vietnam), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

Strikers: Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa), Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda)

January 14, 2017

Glo CAF Awards: Egyptian ambassador to Uganda Congratulates FUFA for winning a continental accolade

The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Her Excellency Ambassador Mai Taha Khalil has sent a congratulatory message to the FUFA President following the last week’s Glo CAF Awards where Uganda was named National team of the year 2016.

The Congratulatory message to the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo reads;

‘On the occassion of naming Uganda the best national football team for the year 2016, the Embassy has the great honor to extend its facilitation to the team on such a great occassion, and wishes them great and continous success.

The Embassy and people of Egypt are looking forward to our brothelry matches in the days to come and may the best team win’

At the same awards held in Abuja, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango was voted the best player (based in Africa), becoming the first Ugandan and goalkeeper to win this award.

Uganda and Egypt avoided each other for the Project Cameroon 2019 as the draws for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers were conducted in Gabon on Thursday night. Both countries were placed in the same pot before the draws.

However both countries will face off in the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon before back to back fixtures in August this year for the 2018 FIFA World cup qualifiers Russia.

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo (2nd R) receives the Glo CAF Award from CEO Edgar Watson (L) after retruning from from Abuja, Nigeria last week. In the middle is FUFA Executive member Rasoul Ariga while 1st VP Justus Mugisha is on the extreme right

January 13, 2017

PROJECT CAMEROON 2019: Uganda’s opponents revealed for AFCON qualifiers

As Uganda Cranes continue to prepare for the AFCON 2017 championship in Gabon, the long awaited Project Cameroon 2019 has kicked off with the draws for the next tournament edition.

The Cranes have been pooled in group L alongside Cape Verde, Tanzania and Lesotho.

Groups:

Group A: Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Sao Tome or Madagascar

Group B: Cameroon, Morocco, Malawi, Comoros or Mauritius

Group C: Mali, Gabon, Burundi, Djibouti or South Sudan

Group D: Algeria, Togo, Benin, Gambia

Group E: Nigeria, South Africa, Seychelles

Group F: Ghana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya

Group G: DR Congo, Congo, Zimbabwe, Liberia

Group H: Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Central Africa Republic, Rwanda

Group I: Burkina Faso, Angola, Botswana, Mauritania

Group J: Tunisia, Egypt, Niger, Swaziland

Group K: Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea Buissau, Nambia

Group L: Cape Verde, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho

How the draws were conducted (Full Procedure):

Preliminary Round: A team was drawn from Pot 5 to play against a team that will be drawn from the same pot. This procedure will be repeated for the 4 remaining teams of Pot 5.

The winners of the 3 matches will qualify to the Groups Stage and will automatically go the positions A4, B4 & C4. Groups Stage: There will be 12 Groups of 4 teams (Group A to Group L).

A team will be drawn from Pot 4 and will go to position D4.

The procedure was repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 4 who will go to positions E4, F4, G4, H4, I4, J4, K4 & L4 according to the draw order.  A team will be drawn from Pot 3 and will go to position A3. This procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 3 using the same positioning rationale applied above.

A team was drawn from Pot 2 and will go to position A2. This procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 2 using the same positioning rationale applied above.

A team was drawn from Pot 1 and will go to position A1. This procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 1 using the same positioning rationale applied above. Unlike the qualifiers of the 31st edition of Total Africa Cup of Nations, all matches of the host team will lead us to the 3 following scenarios: – If the host team is the winner of the group, the runner-up will automatically qualify to the final tournament. No other team will be eligible to qualify from this group.

– If the host team is the runner-up of the group, only the winner of the group will qualify to the final tournament.

Pot 1: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cap Verde, RD Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia & Zambia are the seeded teams of level I.

Pot 2: Angola, Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Togo & Uganda are the seeded teams of level II.

Pot 3: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Malawi, Niger, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania & Zimbabwe are the seeded teams of level III.

Pot 4: Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritania, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles & Swaziland, are the seeded teams of level IV.

Pot 5: Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sao Tome E Principe & South Sudan are the seeded teams of level V.

SOURCE: www.cafonline.com

January 12, 2017

FUFA mourns loss of Northern region Delegate Okello Hanningtone

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) deeply mourns the loss of Northern region Football Association delegate Hanningtone Okello who passed away on Thursday evening at Lira Hospital.

Okello was one of the 6 delegates representing the region in the FUFA Assembly but missed the Annual General Assembly held in Luweero last year due to the accident he suffered on 9^th March, 2016 in his home district Apac.

Despite a steady recovery from the accident following treatment at Kumi Hospital, Okello suffered a serious stroke three days ago that affected the left side of his body until his death today. FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo noted with deep sorrow about the loss of Okello; We have lost an elder in football. It is sad news and a big loss to Uganda and our Member Association. Mr. Okello served football with a lot of passion and always promoted professionalism. We send our condolences to the family of Okello, Northern Region Football Association and the entire football fraternity following the demise of a man who was committed to football. Burial arrangements will be communicated.

January 12, 2017

Pictorial: Uganda Cranes vs. Ivory Coast | International friendly match

Uganda Cranes 0-3 Ivory Coast

Glo CAF team of the year, 2016 Uganda Cranes lost 3-0 to the reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast at the New York University Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Team captain, Geofrey Massa leads the team

Uganda Cranes staged an outstanding first half performance before Jonathan Kodji, Wilfried Zaha and Serge Aurier scored three second half goals for the West African opponents.

Earlier, the Uganda Cranes had lost 2-0 to Tunisia in Tunis before recovering to overcome Slovakia 3-1 at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Uganda Cranes fans in the stands cheered the team from start to finish

Team captains with the match referee prior to kick off

Uganda Cranes substitutes during the game against Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast substitutes in the match against Uganda Cranes

FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo with the other officials

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo chats with an Executive Committee member, Rogers Byamukama

Moses Oloya, Faruku Miya and team skipper Geofrey Massa got the goals for Uganda against Slovakia.

The team will now head to Gabon with some international match experience.

Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awany, Tonny Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Kizito, William Luwagga Kizito, Michael Azira, Geofrey Massa

January 12, 2017