The semi finals of the inaugural FUFA Tv cup gets underway this evening with one encounter that will have Kiira College Butiki host Mengo Senior School in the first leg before SMACK entertain Jinja College on Friday, 23rd June 2023.
All teams looked impressive in the group stages with Kiira College Butiki, Mengo Senior School and SMACK winning their two games while Jinja College won one and drew one.
Here is how all semi-finalists fared in the group stages
Kiira College Butiki. They emerged victorious defeating Namilyango College 2-1 in the first leg at home before winning 0-1 on the road.
▶️ Post match reaction
🎙️ lsaac Lukyaza, a senior six student at Kiira College Butiki
Mengo Senior School. The Akwanas visited their rivals Makerere College in the first ever game of the FUFA Tv Cup at Makerere University main ground and comfortably won 1-4 before winning 1-0 at home thanks to current leading scorer John Senfuma’s late penalty.
St Mary’s College Kisubi. SMACK took all the bragging rights as they defeated their biggest rivals King’s College Budo 2-0 in the first leg at the dusty Arena before pipping them 0-1 on the road.
Jinja College. JICO went through narrowly over Busoga College Mwiiri, defeating them 0-1 in the first leg on the road before drawing 1-1 at home. Elvis Kigongo was the hero scoring in both games.
▶️ Bruno Eddy Higenyi – Captain Jinja College post match comments
It’s exactly eleven days since the FUFA Tv cup kicked off.
Eight traditional schools that is King’s College Budo, Makerere College School, St Mary’s College Kisubi, Kiira College Butiki, Jinja College, Namilyango College, Mengo Senior School and Busoga College Mwiiri were the confirmed teams to take part.
Pooled into two groups A and B each compromising of four teams, eight games were played with 16 goals scored in total.
We take a look at the key points and exciting moments witnessed in the group stages.
Promising Talents
All eight schools that took part, had some promising and exciting player to watch from all departments like it or not as analysed below.
King’s College Budo. Despite bowing out from the group stages, there are a number of players who showed their capabilities and if handled and followed, the future will be bright.
Mengo Senior School. John Senfuma who is the current leading scorer with 3 goals is a joy to watch, custodian Elijah Jingo, left back Brian Lukajo who is similarly like Uganda Cranes left back Derrick Ndahiro are the other lads who looked impressive for Akwanas.
King’s College Budo. The Red Lions might have bowed out at the expense of their rivals SMACK but there are players who looked so fresh and promising over the two legs. Custodian Woodraw Were, and creative forwards Elijah Senoga Kisitu and skipper Elijah Wampamba caught our eyes.
St. Mary’s College Kisubi. The only side that never conceded a goal in the group stages, SMACK has a number of promising lads in skipper Mahad Mubiru, forward Paul Clovis and lanky goalkeeper Dareen Aine.
Jinja College. Forward Elvis Kigongo who is current second leading scorer with 2 goals, 1 behind Mengo Senior School John Senfuma looked sharp.
Busoga College Mwiri. Defender Onen Daniel and attacking midfielders Lawrence Kigongo and Kiprotich Mesach looked lively and promising.
Kiira College Butiki. Midfielder Olukar who dons jersey 13 put up a convincing show in their home and away victory over Namilyango College.
Namilyango College. Custodian Godwin Gale was sharp despite falling 3-1 on aggregate to Kiira College Butiki.
Makerere College School. The Pelicans might have fallen 5-1 to Akwanas on aggregate but there are some players who impressed that is right back Akram Tumwingire, Brian Mukulu who scored the first ever goal of the tournament as well as Gabriel Kabunga.
Smartness of Schools both students and Teams, All the 8 participating Schools were dressed to kill all through out right from their traditional uniforms and home and away jerseys that were offered by the FUFA tournament organising committee.
Identification of Potential media personalities from the 8 participating Schools via pitch side analysis. All schools had a number of students do live pitch side analysis before and after the game which was relayed live on FUFA Tv and all looked promising and impressive with detailed and statistical information about their respective schools.
The semi-final fixtures of the inaugural FUFA Tv cup have been confirmed.
Following the successful climax of the group stages, four teams Mengo Senior School, St Mary’s College Kisubi, Kiira College Butiki and Jinja College progressed to the semi-finals and the draw was conducted on Monday at FUFA House, Mengo.
The first semi final clash will see Kiira College Butiki welcome Mengo Senior School on Thursday 22nd June while SMACK will entertain Jinja College on Friday 23rd.
The return leg fixtures will come a week later on Thursday 29th June and Friday 30th June respectively.
To progress to the Semis, Mengo Senior School beat Makerere College home and away 5-1 on aggregate while Kiira College Butiki beat Namilyango College home and away 3-1 on aggregate.
On the other hand, SMACK beat rivals King’s College Budo home and away 3-0 on aggregate while Jinja College ejected Busoga College Mwiiri 2-1 on aggregate.
TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifiers 2023 Group F Matchday 5 Uganda 1-2 Algeria
Uganda Cranes suffered a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in the penultimate round of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
In the game played on Sunday at Japoma Stadium, Douala, Cameroon, the desert Foxes carried the day with a 2-1 win.
Mohamed Amoura scored a brace for Algeria while Uganda’s goal came from second half substitute Fahad Bayo.
The first stanza saw Uganda Cranes put up a resilient performance and marched the visitors for long spells.
However, with three minutes to the break, Algeria broke the deadlock with Amoura tapping from close range after goalkeeper Salim Magoola spilled the ball from the initial effort.
At the start of the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic called for changes introducing Bayo and Richard Bassangwa for Bobosi Byaruhanga and Milton Karisa respectively.
There were further changes with Isma Mugulusi and Travis Mutyaba coming on in place of Farouk Miya and Emmanuel Okwi respectively.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 67th minute off a quick counter attack and Amoura was once again well stationed to tap the ball into the back of the net.
With a minute to the end of the game, Bayo got Uganda’s goal of the day after a good pass from Bassangwa.
The result leaves Uganda in third place on 4 points. Algeria move to 15 while Tanzania and Niger have 7 and 2 respectively.
Uganda’s final group game will come away to Niger in September and the Cranes will need to win and hope Tanzania lose to Algeria to stand a chance of qualifying.
18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria
Salim Jamal Magoola and Rogers Mato Kassim are key figures of the Uganda Cranes currently in camp preparing for the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifier match with Algeria June 2023.
Jamal plays for Richards Bay FC in South African Premier Soccer League while Mato is at KCCA FC, one of Uganda’s top clubs in the country. Jamal has been a valuable player in the team for the last two matches between the posts while Mato has stepped up his game as well by knocking on the doors of the senior team regularly. Both players have not disappointed with their displays in this campaign so far. Mato scored the goal that hit Tanzania so hard in Dar Es Salaam as Uganda won 1-0 while Jamal kept a clean sheet.
FUFA media caught up with the two players in camp at the team’s base Best western Plus Hotel.
Salim Jamal on Aucho’s arrival in camp, importance of the match against Algeria and the need to be counted
First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of life and the opportunity we have today to play soccer.
We are looking forward to the game on Sunday which is very important. It is a lifetime chance to be at this stage. It is a chance for us to go through to the next round if we beat Algeria. With the squad we have, we just have to keep the spirit together. It is a mixture of young and experienced players. It is a moment for this generation to make history this time around against Algeria which is a big country when it comes to football. With the main focus on qualifying, we have to do our best so that we get the points on Sunday.
The addition of Khalid Aucho in the camp is a big boost because he is the second captain and an experienced player.
I think when he is around the team is ready for the challenge. With Coach leading us it is a great opportunity to use this chance given his experience around Africa.
Rogers Mato
First of all, I thank the Almighty for the gift of life, the managers, the sponsors, and the summoned 23 players. We did our very best to see that we are summoned. In this game we are going in, it is a big one and we are going to play a big country. They are technical and tactically strong. We shall do whatever we can do to get the points.
This game is the one that will take us into the history books and it is very important for us to get positive points. The players, we are technically prepared.
It is always a nice feeling to score goals and I look forward to scoring for my country every time I wear the jersey.
Mengo Senior School completed a double over neighbours Makerere College School to qualify for the semi-finals of the inaugural FUFA Tv cup tournament in a match played at Mengo Senior School playground.
Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, the Pelicans made four changes from the first game as well as changing a tactician as they brought in Fred Ndawula, who also dubs as Makerere University Women FC coach in the FUFA Women Super League while the Akwanas made only one change.
MACOS surprisingly dominated proceedings for most time during the entire game and will blame themselves for failure to bury off a number of opportunities got in both halves.
With 13 minutes to play, John Senfuma broke the deadlock from the spot to take his tally to 3 goals which makes him the current leading scorer in the tournament.
Despite trying to find a leveller, the hosts managed to hold on to complete a double over their neighbors.
The win meant that Mengo Senior School joined Kiira College Butiki as teams to win their two games.
They also stormed the semi finals, joining Jinja College School and Kiira College Butiki.
One slot remains to complete the semi final puzzle in a game that will see King’s College Budo entertain rivals SMACK on Saturday morning. SMACK leads 2-0 from the first leg.
The semi finals will also be played on a home and away basis on 21st June (first leg) as 25th June (second leg).
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic believes that his boys have benefitted a lot from today international friendly played against DR Congo at Japoma Stadium in Douala Cameroon.
Cranes suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the hands of the Congolese team now handled by former Uganda head coach Sebastian Desabre.
DR Congo Starting XI
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Uganda conceded a first penalty but there were signs of great efforts and improvements as noticed by the coach as he addressed the media during the post-match press conference in a packed room by members of media.
Uganda was on the wrong footing in the first half but returned for the remaining 45 minutes and put up a big show.
Substitutions were made as seven players were given chance to make a productive run out that improved the display in the second half. Substitute Charles Lukwago make a fabulous save midway the second half while Milton Karisa’s attacking efforts were about to pay off but missed a glorious opportunity to level the score.
Uganda will now switch their attention to the AFCON qualifier match against Algeria on Sunday at the same stadium that hosted today’s friendly.
Micho on current squad after losing both Joseph Ochaya and Gavin Kizito to injury
We are too late to make any replacements. We are having 21 players, 18 field players and 3 goalkeepers that are ready for the Sunday game. The biggest benefit of today’s game is that we have saved Khalid Aucho who played the Tanzanian Cup on Monday and won. He just arrived today. We didn’t want to use him and take risks.
The second aspect is that we wanted late arrivals of Bobosi from America and Mugulusi from Greece to try and test them in this match. When you look at everything, I am very happy everyone gave their best. We have some hidden cards that we are looking to unleash on Sunday. In other words, we are trying, testing and experimenting in the friendly match the material face of the Uganda Cranes that we shall see on Sunday when we are going in direct competition to fight for our lives, to fight for the points against Algeria.
Micho on Uganda’s chances during the game
We started on a wrong foot. I believe the penalty was not supposed to be there having in mind that the player was falling down and he couldn’t control his movement while going down. It has been decided so I have nothing to complain about that.
We had the biggest chance of first half from the corner kick that had come. We conceded from a penalty. In the second half we were changing the approach understanding that the opponent is building with a box of two defenders and two defensive midfielders and are putting fullbacks high up the field. So, we decided to put players that could exactly hold the ball better like Basangwa. We created unbelievable chances however, we didn’t convert.
Micho says no forgiveness on Sunday
I always like to say, in these games, there is some blessing. It is better to happen today than on Sunday. Now we have critical points to touch in analysis of this match. Today we have tried, tested and experimented but Sunday we are going directly in competition. There is no forgiveness.
Micho says Ochaya and Kizito have been released from camp
Due to the injuries, there is no match that is bigger than the players. Injuries at level call for medical team advice. We shall send them back to their respective clubs in Egypt for recovery. We shall use 18 field players and 3 goalkeepers.
I know that we are carrying on our shoulders so much expectations. I want to take all the pressure away from players. I want them to come and show what they are capable of because we are playing an early final of the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast against a top-class team, Algeria on Sunday.
There is no better chance than this match to show what is the real character and value of this team despite the fact that we are having several young players that ever in recent history of Uganda Cranes.
After 2006, we have always been candidates up to the last match to qualify and that is a standard we are keeping no matter that we are a team in transition with so many young players. But young players have the greatest chance to go from boys to men with support of a few senior players so that together we cross that line and we qualify for AFCON.
Wednesday 14.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT DR Congo vs Uganda Cranes (International Friendly)
Sunday 18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria 9Total Energies AFCON 2023Q)
The sight of Fahad Bayo in the Uganda Cranes training sessions gives every Ugandan fan the belief that the country is ready for battle on the field.
Bayo is a Ugandan professional footballer currently playing for MFK Vyškov in the Czech Republic National Football League. However, his attention is now on the National team-Uganda with two matches to be played this week. Bayo knows that his adoring fans around the world, more so to those back home in Uganda and his home region West Nile would like to see him score on Sunday against Algeria.
Bayo says that mentality will play a key role in the game against Algeria to keep the fire burning in the TotalEnegries AFCON Qualifiers 2023.
“We know what is at stake but the mentality at this stage from everyone in camp must be at its finest. It is not an easy stage as the young players will need guidance to manage such pressure moments but we are confident” said Bayo as he talked to FUFA Media in Douala, Cameroon where the team is camped.
Bayo is never shy in front of goal as he scored two crucial winners against Rwanda during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers but also netted a poacher’s goal when the Uganda Cranes played Kenya in the same campaign.
Bayo who looks extremely sharp in training in Douala is yet to find the back of the net this campaign (AFCON Qualifiers 2023) but he says he is well aware that strikers are judged by what they do to the back of the net during the match.
“It is not easy for strikers. My job is to score goals. If I don’t score it hits me but I need to remain mentally strong. I will score goals. It is all about keeping the faith and more hard work.” added Bayo.
With DR Congo coming up on Wednesday afternoon in an international friendly, Bayo takes time to highlight the importance of this game.
“It is a perfect match to help us try out so many things but we are also getting close to what the coach needs us to deliver against Algeria” noted Bayo who is part of the 22 players currently in camp.
Of all the players in camp, two of them Joseph Ochaya and Gavin Kizito are nursing injuries that need assessment by the medical team.
Ismail Mugulusi reported on Monday night and was able to train with the rest of the team while Khalid Aucho flies in on Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyngi has named the captains for Uganda’s U18 Women’s national team that is currently in camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
A provisional squad of 35 players entered camp on Monday in preparation for the forthcoming CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship slated for 24th June -8th July in Nairobi, Kenya.
Upon arrival in Njeru, the coach confirmed Shakirah Nyinagahirwa as the captain of the team.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa in action against Kenya last year.
She will be deputised by Hadijah Nandago and Catherine Nagadya as first and second assistant captains respectively.
Hadijah Nandago will be the first assistant captain.Catherine Nagadya
It should be noted that the aforementioned trio was first handed this leadership last year when they were still part of the U17 team.
Additionally, the same order was used when they played against Ethiopia in the U17 World Cup Qualifiers and this has been maintained.
Nyinagahirwa believes they have unfinished business and this is an opportunity to perform better than the previous outing.
“I am glad that the coach still has our trust to be leaders of this talented group as captains. Together with my teammates, I know we shall work hard to make sure we perform better than last year.” She said.
The team will spend two weeks in camp at Njeru before travelling to Kenya for the inaugural championship for this age category in the region.
The main purpose for having this tournament is to help CECAFA member states prepare for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers that will be played in November this year.
The return leg of The FUFA Tv Cup gets underway tomorrow (Wednesday) with one match from group B that will see Busoga College Mwiiri visit Jinja College.
The visitors will be aiming at nothing but revenge following the 0-1 slim loss in their own backyard on Sunday.
Kigongo Elvis’s 44th-minute strike before half was all that Jinja College needed to emerge victors in the first leg.
In another highly anticipated return leg tie from the same group, Namilyango College welcomes Kiira College Butiki on Thursday 15th June 2023. Namilyango College lost the first leg 2-1 in the dying minutes despite scoring first.
It should be noted that after match day one, 11 goals were registered with Mengo Senior School’s John and the current leading scorer with two goals.
On Friday 16th and Saturday 17th June 2023, Mengo Senior School will welcome Makerere College School while King’s College Budo entertains SMACK. The Akwanas won their first-leg tie 1-4 on the road while The Red Lions lost 2-0 at SMACK.
The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum has on Tuesday been launched with the draws for the coveted competition also conducted.
The function was held at FUFA Complex. It was graced by FUFA Drum Organizing Committee Chairperson Rogers Byamukama.
Trade and Marketing manager Harris International Limited Jalia Ssebugwawo and Brand Manager Club and Premium at Nile Special Joel Galla.
2023 edition format
The fourth edition comes with several changes including increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.
Additionally, this year’s final will be played on a one-legged basis.
The new format
On the basis of the last edition’s performance, the best 8 provinces (Quarterfinalists) get a bye at the first round.
Last year’s Quarterfinalists include West Nile, Lango, Acholi, Tooro, Buganda, Kampala, Teso and Bugisu.
The 8 provinces that did not make it to the quarterfinals last year were randomly paired and will play at the first round.
The first round fixtures are as follows;
Bunyoro vs Sebei Ankole vs Bukedi Rwenzori vs Kigezi Busoga vs Karamoja
The aforementioned fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. The winners on aggregate will proceed to the group stage.
Group phase
Unlike the previous editions, this year, the competition will have four groups each with three provinces.
Semifinalists from last year’s edition have been seeded and each were placed in a separate group. The four provinces include West Nile, Lango, Acholi and Tooro.
At the group stage, the games will be played on a home and away basis with each team guaranteed to play six games.
The best two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The games at this level will also be played on a home and away basis with the winners on aggregate advancing to the semifinals.
Groups
Group A Teso Winner between Ankole and Bukedi Acholi
Group B Lango Kampala Winner between Rwenzori or Kigezi
Group C Winner between Busoga and Karamoja West Nile Bugisu
Group D Winner between Bunyoro and Sebei Tooro Buganda
FUFA’s direct support to provinces
Accommodation, transport and meals to all the visiting teams.
Two sets of jerseys (Home and away) to all participating teams.
Live coverage of all the games on FUFA Tv.
Accommodation, transport, meals and allowances to all match officials.
Man of the match plaques and cash prize of USH 100,000 per game.
Training and match balls to every province.
Prize money of USH 100M.
The fixtures are expected to be release on 16th June and the games will kickoff on 24th the same month.
We are delighted to have this competition return and like you all know, this is a tournament that brings out passion, excitement and thrilling action. We promise to deliver a better championship this year and everyone should rally behind their respective provinces to be part of the great adventure.
Since its inception in 2018, the FUFA Drum continues to grow and with the arrival of MTN and Rockboom as partners, expect a great tournament.
Joel Galla – Brand manager club and premium, Nile Breweries
Nile Breweries is proud to associate with a tournament that covers the entire country. We are a brand that celebrates culture, identity and ancestry. This is this exact background and foundation of the FUFA Drum.
Jalia Ssebugwawo – Trade and Marketing Manager Harris International
The slogan of Rockboom one of our premium brands at Harris International is ‘Feel the positive energy.’ Therefore, we are here to revitalize this unique competition and we are excited to walk the journey together with FUFA in making this year’s edition exciting and thrilling.
Wednesday 14.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT DR Congo vs Uganda Cranes (International Friendly)
Sunday 18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria 9Total Energies AFCON 2023Q)
Uganda Cranes midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga says that every player in camp is looking forward to a big week that will turn the table standings of his beloved Uganda in the ongoing AFCON 2023 Qualification campaign.
Shortly after his arrival in Douala, Cameroon where the Uganda Cranes team is camped ahead of the match against Algeria this Sunday, Bobosi Byaruhanga noted that the commitment from the players is very evident and are ready to fight tooth and nail.
However, they are ready to play two important matches against DR Congo (International friendly) on Wednesday and Algeria on Sunday at the Japoma Stadium.
Bobosi and team will come up against former Uganda Cranes coach Sebastian Desabre who is now handling DR Congo.
Bobosi was just enjoying good times at St. Mary’s Kitende Boarding Secondary School and the Vipers SC Junior team when Desabre was having the best of his times with the Uganda Cranes.
“We are focused and want to play against DR Congo but our main focus is on Sunday when we play Algeria. We shall face DC Congo to gain the much-needed experience against another team with quality players” said Bobosi as he spoke to the FUFA Media team in Cameroon.
With Algeria coming up as well and so much significance attached to the match, Bobosi says that all that we need is to remain focused.
“We started planning for this game after facing Tanzania. We have people who are sending us messages saying Algeria must fall. We are focused ahead of Sunday’s game and we need to get the best results” said Bobosi.
Bobosi plays in the US with Austin FC and his experience garnered at a young age will be very crucial to the team.
“We are going to play against good players but we have what it takes to see off any team in Africa. We shall have a game plan for Sunday’s match because we need the three points” added Bobosi who trained with the team today at Japoma Annex.
He arrived in Cameroon today.
The arrival of Bobosi in camp brings the number to 21 players with Ismail Mugulusi and Khalid Aucho set to fly in by Wednesday.
Uganda U18 Women’s National Team has began preparations for the forthcoming CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship.
A provisional team of 35 players summoned by coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi entered camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday evening.
The team will be at the Centre for the next two weeks before travelling to Nairobi, Kenya where the Championship will be held.
Coach Kiyingi is confident the time between now and the start of the tournament will be enough for them to prepare well.
“I’m aware that we have began the preparations a bit late but I have the confidence we shall be able to form a formidable team.” He said.
Skipper Shakirah Nyinagahirwa is equally optimistic that they will do well.
“I am happy that we have been summoned to be part of this team. I know we are a group of talented players that are capable of performing well.” She indicated.
The Championship will be held between 24th June to 8th July 2023.
The FUFA Tv Cup continued on Sunday with match day one that witnessed two cracking encounters from group A and B.
The first encounter saw Jinja College pip Busoga College Mwiri 0-1 on the road thanks to Kigongo Elvis 44th minute strike before half time that proved to be the winning goal.
The second match that was dubbed the FUFA Tv Cup blockbuster derby had St Mary’s College Kisubi welcome King’s College Budo at the Dusty Arena grounds in Kisubi.
The home side looked the most dominant side in both halves and took the lead in the 16th minute through skipper Mahad Mubiru.
St. Mary’s College Kisubi forward Clovis Paul would have doubled the lead minutes later but had his strike ruled out for offside. Before half time, he came close to doubling the lead but was denied by the Red Lions promising custodian Woodrow Were.
Four minutes into second half, SMACK tactician Ronald Mugalu surprisingly substituted arguably his best performer in the first half Clovis for Griffin Mwesigwa who immediately paid off the trust put in him by doubling their lead on his first touch thanks to a Mahad Mubiru clever assist.
Despite the visitors trying to pull a goal back, the SMACK defence stood firm to keep a clean sheet.
After match day one, 11 goals were registered.
The return leg matches will be played between 14th -17th June.
The Semifinals also to be played on a home and away basis will be held on 21st June 2023 (1st leg) and 25th June 2023 (return leg).
The final to be played over match will be held on 1st July 2023.
Uganda vs DR Congo, 14th June 2023 4pm (Local time, 6pm EAT)
2023 AFCON Qualifier
Uganda vs Algeria, 18th June 2023, 4 PM Local Time, 6pm EAT)
All matches at Japoma Stadium, Douala-Cameroon
Uganda is two hours ahead.
The Uganda Cranes camp in Douala, Cameroon has been boosted by the arrival of Egypt based trio, Joseph Ochaya, Gavin Kizito and Richard Basangwa.
The three players joined camp on Saturday and were later drafted into the afternoon training session at Japoma Annex.
Joseph Ochaya stretchingRichard Basangwa (R) stretching along Siraje SentamuPrayer Time: L-R- Geoffrey Wasswa, Gavin Kizito and Fahad Bayo.
Related to the above, four more foreign based players are expected to join camp with custodian Charles Lukwago (St. George FC, Ethiopia) and USA based Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin ll) on Sunday, while Greece and Tanzania based midfielders Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos) and Khalid Aucho (Young Africans) will jet in on Monday and Wednesday respectively.
A contingent of 16 players left Entebbe International Airport on Friday morning (2.45am) and went through Addis Ababa before finally completing their journey at Douala International Airport.
Uganda is hosting its home matches on foreign soil due to the unavailability of a certified stadium by CAF in the country to host Category A matches (AFCON and World Cup matches).
Uganda’s known home venue Mandela National stadium is undergoing renovation.
Uganda Cranes team is accommodated at Best Western Hotel that is just ten minutes away from the Douala International airport.
Uganda is in third place of Group F on 4 points, same as Tanzania while Niger is on 2 points. Algeria with 4 wins out of 4, has already qualified for the AFCON Finals to be hosted in Cote D’Ivoire.
Uganda’s provisional squad for the forthcoming CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship has been named.
A squad of 35 players majority of whom were part of the U17 team that played in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qualifiers last year has been called to start preparations.
The team will enter residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday, 12th June 2023.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who has been appointed to take charge of the U20 team will also be in charge of the U18 team.
He will work alongside Mubarak Kiberu as goalkeeping coach, Felix Ayobo and Mable Kabatalindwa as fitness coach and team doctor respectively.
It should be noted that the tournament will take place between 24th June -8th July in Nairobi, Kenya.
