CHAN 2022 Group B Uganda vs Ivory Coast Nelson Mandela Stadium Sunday, 22nd January 2022 Kickoff: 10PM (EAT)
Uganda is on the brink of making history at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Cranes have a chance to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time.
What stands between failure and glory is Ivory Coast, the team they face on Sunday at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Uganda Cranes go into the final group game oozing with confidence having secured victory over Senegal on Wednesday to go top of Group B with 4 points.
However, coach Milutin Sredojevic believes the story is not complete until the final whistle on Sunday.
“Whatever we have done in the last two games could turn out meaningless if we do not get a good result against Ivory Coast. Therefore, we go into this game with full commitment and hoping to get a result good enough to send us through,” he said.
Midfielder Moses Waiswa indicates their sight is set at finishing top of the Group.
“Ending as Group Leaders will be important in determining who we face at the quarterfinal stage. And that makes the game against Ivory Coast important. We go into Sunday’s game focused on securing all three points and maintaining our status as Group leaders.” He said.
Uganda is seeking to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in six attempts.
Uganda Hippos (U20) registered their fourth consecutive win as they continue with preparations for the U20 AFCON tournament scheduled between 19th and 11th March 2023.
They defeated Bul FC 2-0 which was their second meeting at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru on Saturday morning.
Patrick Kakande first half super strike off Rogers Mugisha assist as well as Issa Bugembe second half strike off Haruna Lukwago assist sealed victory for the Hippos.
Jackson Mayanja fielded two different sides in either halves with an aim of continuing to identify different partnerships.
There was a horrific and scary moment in the second half when Hippos midfielder Andrew Kawooya got a knee injury after a collision with two Bul FC players.
Tottenham Hotspur U18 midfielder Kato Shaun Senkubuge also got some minutes in the encounter.
Training will continue on Sunday as the technical team gets set to trim the squad 10 days in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
Hippos first Team.
Abdu Magada, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Samson Kasozi, Frank Katongole, Patrick Kakande, Saidi Mayanja, Dembe John Paul, Faizal Wabyoona, Rogers Mugisha
Hippos second half team.
Shamran Kamya (Oyo Delton), Haruna Lukwago, Jimmy Ndalambi, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach, Pius Ssebulime, Ibrahim Kasinde (Shaun Senkubuge Kato), Allan Kiggundu, Issa Bugembe, Andrew Kawooya (Hakim Mutebi), Hassan Mubiru.
Uganda Cranes contingent on Friday shifted from the Algerian sea town of Annaba to the capital, Algiers ahead of the final group game against Ivory Coast on Sunday (10PM EAT).
Goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi upon arrival at Golden Tulip Royaume Hotel in Algiers.
The Cranes who top group B on 4 points have been in the Northeastern part of Algeria since Wednesday last week.
Uganda Cranes cutting a cake given by the management of Ben Mustapha Aouda Hotel in Annaba.
The team goes into Sunday’s game at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium in buoyant mood having picked three points off Senegal two days ago.
The 1-0 victory over Senegal is only Uganda’s second at the biennial Championship, the first coming at the 2014 edition against Burkina Faso (2-1) in South Africa.
Uganda Cranes team that started against Senegal.
In Algiers, the team was welcomed by H.E Alintuma Nsambu, the Ambassador of Uganda to Algeria and the Maghreb region.
He has been a staunch supporter of the team ever since it set foot in Algeria watching the two games against Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal.
L-R: H.E Ambassador of Uganda to Algeria Alintuma Nsambu, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang watching the game between Uganda and DR Congo.
From the airport, the team checked in at Golden Tulip Royaume Hotel where they will pitch camp.
Uganda needs to avoid defeat on Sunday to guarantee their place in the quarterfinals but victory will ensure the top spot in Group B is secured.
Uganda Cranes CHAN squad
Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penz (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
Uganda Hippos continued with preparations for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament with their third friendly match on Thursday morning at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
The Hippos played another top tier side Busoga United and won the tie 3-1 to pick their third straight win in friendly games.
Kataka FC energetic forward Emmanuel Mukisa put the Hippos in the lead with a cool finish thanks to Andrew Kawooya penetrative through ball.
Alpha Ssali would have doubled the lead minutes later but had his effort go inches out for a goal kick in the box after Owen Mukisa pass.
In the second half, Jackson Mayanja introduced a number of changes who immediately sparked more fire in the game.
The Hippos scored more two goals in the second stanza through Faizo Wabyoona.
Edrine Opaala Mukisa scored Busoga’s consolation.
The Hippos will play their fourth friendly match on Saturday against Bul FC before shifting camp to the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.
The AFCON U20 tournament will take place from 19th February to March 11th 2023.
How the Hippos Started Against BusogaUnited
Abdu Magada, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Apollo Kagogwe, Cyrus Kibande, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Owen Mukisa, Ivan Mayanja, Emmanuel Mukisa, Andrew Kawooya, Alfa Thierry Ssali
The telecom company was announced as the main sponsor of the national team during a watch party at the Serena Hotel for the Uganda Cranes CHAN 2022 match against Senegal in Algeria.
The event was attended by the FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge, 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, MTN CMO Somdev Sen, and Chairman of the FUFA Marketing and Communications Committee Rogers Byamukama, among others.
“I am excited on behalf of MTN Uganda to officially announce that we are bringing back the game to Ugandans, who are the most passionate fans of our football. Let’s go Uganda Cranes” — MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge
“The money shall be used to support activities of 7 properties of FUFA, namely: the Uganda Cranes (National men’s team), the Crested Cranes (National women’s team), The FUFA Drum, The FUFA Juniors League, The FUFA Super 8, the FUFA Super Cup, and the FUFA Awards.” — MTN CEO Mulinge added.
Uganda Cranes put up a resilient performance to overcome Senegal at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.
In the game played on Wednesday at the 19th May 1956 Stadium, Annaba, Uganda stunned the Lions of Terranga to win 1-0.
Frank Ssebufu (in red) closes down a Senegalese player.
Skipper Milton Karisa scored the lone goal of the game to guide the Cranes to victory.
This is only Uganda’s second victory at the biennial Championship and the first since 2014 when the Cranes defeated Burkina Faso 2-1.
Milton Karisa celebrates after scoring.
The players had to wither heavy rains and extremely cold conditions of the day to produce the much needed win.
Senegal posed threats in the opening stages of the game but Uganda was resolute and the team worked together to deny the West Africans.
Action between Uganda and Senegal.
A miscommunication between defender Geoffrey Wasswa and goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi nearly gifted Senegal the lead with the latter holding a back pass but the indirect free kick awarded was dealt with.
Moments later, Senegal were awarded a penalty but Alionzi saved Cheikh Sidibe’s effort from the spot.
Nafian Alionzi celebrates after the full-time whistle.
On the other hand, Uganda’s first realistic attempt in the 33rd minute resulted into goal.
Moses Waiswa’s corner kick delivery was cleared into Kenneth Ssemakula’s path and his cross from the left met Karisa who connected home thanks to a deflection from a Senegalese defender.
At the start of the second half, coach Micho called for the first change bringing on Karim Watambala for Marvin Youngman.
He also introduced Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Hillary Mukundane and Travis Mutyaba as the game went on.
Travis Mutyaba in action against Senegal.
In the 51st minute, Karisa thought he had won a penalty for Uganda but the referee overturned his decision after checking with VAR.
Senegal were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute with Libasse Ngom who had just come on sent off after a nasty tackle on Watambala.
The Cranes held on to pick maximum points and go top of Group B on 4 points.
Semakula was named man of the match for his great performance in the midfield.
Uganda will return to action on Sunday against Ivory Coast at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Penzi Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Geofrey Wasswa, Gift Fred, Marvin Youngman, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato
Substitutes Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Jack Komakech(GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hillary Mukundane, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Ibrahim Orit
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Dianah Nyikiriize to the new post of Commercial Director and Ms. Maureen Abote as Sponsorship and Sales Manager respectively.
The FUFA Commercial Division headed by Diana is a team of five that will be responsible to build, protect, position and sell the following;
FUFA
FUFA Competitions and Events
FUFA Tv
102.1 FUFA fm
Dianah is a professional marketer with over fifteen years of experience in the Sales and Marketing industry with careers at Uganda Breweries Limited as Brand Manager and Commercial Director with Solutions EA Limited. She also brings vast experience in experiential marketing and event management.
Ms. Maureen comes with 13 years of experience in the fields of sales and marketing, having previously worked with Nile Breweries Limited, Rwenzori water, Prudential Insurance, UAP insurance and Hima Cement and most recently as Marketing Manager of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson
‘The appointment of the two new staff all with track records in marketing, sales and branding adds to our confidence towards the targets of further commercialisation of FUFA brands, ’ said FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
Dianah Nyikiriize
‘Working with the biggest sports federation in Uganda gives me the opportunity to contribute to its growth and further development. My job will help me link brand objectives to the target audience and I am thrilled to be joining the world of football through FUFA family’
Maureen Abote
‘I am excited about the journey to work in football. My experience in management and selling of sports brands will help me a lot in the football world’
The appointments take immediate effect. It is Our Game, It is Our Country.
African Nations Championship 2022 Group B Matchday Two Senegal vs Uganda Wednesday, 18th January 2023 19th May 1956 Stadium
Uganda Cranes will be seeking to garner maximum points off Senegal as the two teams face off on Wednesday in Annaba, Algeria.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic and his charges are aware of what is at stake in the game and will hope to keep Uganda’s hopes of progressing beyond the group stage by earning victory.
Whereas Uganda settled for a point against Democratic Republic of Congo in the first game, Senegal on the other picked maximum points off Ivory Coast.
The gaffer believes this is the chance for Uganda to go and do better than the first game.
“We have deeply analysed the game against DR Congo and want to improve. We are fully aware of the challenge of entering the den of the Lions of Senegal,” Sredojevic stated in the pre match press briefing before adding, “We are excited over this game and we respect our opponents but in a game of football it is unpredictable. We will make the most of our moments and expose their sources of vulnerability. Our ultimate target is to get performance and results.We have been working with sleepless nights to have details about the Senegal game. It is a human game and a perfect team doesn’t exist.”
Assistant Captain Nafian Alionzi also shares similar sentiments and indicates this is a perfect opportunity to write history.
“Our target is to do better than the previous editions and that means qualifying to the knockout stage. We know the opponents we shall be facing but the determination within us will get the team over the line.” He indicated.
Uganda Cranes will end the Group business with a game against Ivory Coast in Algiers on Sunday.
Uganda Hippos (U20) continued with their preparations for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament scheduled for next month in Egypt with another friendly match on Tuesday evening against Startimes Uganda Premier League side Bul FC at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
Uganda Hippos
BUL FC
Just like it was in their first friendly on Monday against Jinja North United FC, The Hippos won the tie 1-0 thanks to a second half strike from Kataka FC energetic forward Emmanuel Mukisa.
Head Coach Jackson Mayanja made changes in his starting line up from the previous one with Faizal Wabyoona, Saidi Mayanja, Ibrahim Kasinde, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Umar Lutalo, Ivan Asaba all starting.
There were changes in the first half with Alfa Thierry Ssali, Hassan Mubiru and Thomas Kakaire all coming on for Asaba,Kasinde and Mayanja respectively.
The second half saw Hippos make more changes with players like Shafiq Magogo, Mustafa Lalani, Marvin Nyanzi, Faizo Kyazze, amongst others all coming on and it took them only five minutes to break the deadlock through Mukisa.
Bul FC like made changes and pressed for a leveller but the Hippos backline and custodian Kamya Shamran stood firm.
The team will continue with training on Wednesday with double sessions scheduled before another friendly match against Bul FC this Saturday that will be the last one in Njeru.
The will then leave for Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi after trimming the squad to 35 players on Sunday.
The 2023 AFCON U20 tournament will run from 19th February to 11th March in Egypt.
The Hippos are in group B along Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic and South Sudan.
How the Hippos Started against Bul FC.
Abdu Magada, Pius Ssebulime, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Apollo Kagogwe, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Ibrahim Kasinde, Saidi Mayanja, Issa Bugembe, Faizo Wabyoona, Ivan Asaba.
Uganda Hippos played their first friendly match on Monday against FUFA Big League side Jinja North United at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru as preparations for the Egypt 2023 AFCON U20 continued.
In what seemed to be a cagey and cautious tie, both sides assembled strong players in either half of the game.
The first quarter of the game saw Jinja create some chances but the Hippos defence stood firm with Apollo Kagogwe denying them with a big block into the corner.
A few minutes later, Issa Bugembe went past the opponents defence and laid in a cutback that saw substitute Kakaire effort parried into play by the goalkeeper and so was Mugisha’s.
Before, midfielder Andrew Kawooya was forced off the pitch with a knock paving way for Kakaire.
Defender Ronald Madoi saw yellow towards the end of the first half for a foul on an opponent.
The second stanza saw the Hippos make various changes with a point of assessing players.
Mugisha was later forced off with a knock before Hassan Mubiru took his place.
Following persistent attacks from the Hippos, they finally broke the deadlock with five minutes past the hour mark through Ibrahim Kasinde who capitalised on Emmanuel Mukisa headed brush in the box.
Mukisa, Saidi Mayanja, Hassan Mubiru, Kasinde, all got more chances to double the lead but were unlucky.
The Hippos will have another friendly match with a yet to be identified team on Wednesday at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru as preparations for the U20 AFCON in Egypt take continue to take shape.
Hippos lineup in first half.
Abdu Magada, Pius Ssebulime, Jimmy Ndalambi, Apollo Kagogwe, Ronald Madoi, Frank Katongole, Patrick Kakande, Jemba Abdul Shakur Ramsey, Issa Bugembe, Andrew Kawooya, Rogers Mugisha
Hippos Lineup in second half.
Kamya Shamran, Haruna Lukwago, Umar Lutalo, Rogers Torach, Kyazze Faizo, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Ibrahim Kasinde, Thomas Kakaire, Emmanuel Mukisa, Saidi Mayanja, Rogers Mugisha.
Uganda is playing at the finals of African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the sixth successive time. Prior to this year’s tournament, the Cranes have also featured in the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions.
In this article, FUFA Communications Department brings you closer to the team to know peculiar details, statistics, facts and figures about Uganda Cranes contingent in Algeria.
Enjoy as you read below
10 FUFA Juniors League graduates in the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad2022
Development is a slow process that starts with dreams and end up with ideas for execution. The FUFA Juniors League (FJL) started in 2015 with a competition for players under the age of 17, then progressed to U18 and finally with the U19 as the highest age category for the youth Competition.
The FJL has since moved to all the FUFA regions bringing together over 96 Junior teams for a National Youth football League Competition right from the regions.
The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria for the TotalEnergies CHAN Squad has ten (10) graduates of the FUFA Juniors League. The players are;
Jack Komakech (URA FC JT U-19)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC JT U17)
Geofrey Wasswa (Vipers Sc U17)
Travis Mutyaba (Vipers SC JT U17, U18)
Ashraf Mandela (Vipers SC JT U17)
James Begisa Penz (KCCA FC SA U17)
Moses Aliro (KCCA FC SA U17)
Titus Ssematimba (Masavu FC JT U18)
Kenneth Semakula- (Kirinya Jinja SSS JT U19)
Rogers Mato Kassim (Lweza Orange Brigade U17, Proline FC JT U18, Maroons FC JT U19)
The 3 Ws in the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad
Talk of being unique. The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria for the TotalEnergies CHAN Finals has something to do with player’s names. Three players out of the 23-man squad have letter ‘W’ for their names and they proudly tease their teammates with pride about this.
The players are; Watambala Abu Karim, Waiswa Moses and Wasswa Geoffrey. Two of them are midfielders while Wasswa plies in central defence.
8 Uganda Cranes Goldies in CHAN Squad
The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria has seven (8) players who have featured before at the CHAN Finals. The experience stretches from the 2018 Finals in Morocco through the 2020 Finals hosted by Cameroon in 2021. Milton Karisa (2018, 2020 and 2022) is the most experienced of the players as he is appearing at his third CHAN Finals. The full list has;
Milton Karisa (2018, 2020, 2022)
Moses Waiswa (2018, 2022)
Nelson Senkatuka (2018, 2022)
Bright Anukani (2020, 2022)
Abu Karim Watambala (2020, 2022)
Joel Mutakubwa (2020, 2022)
Nafian Alionzi (2020, 2022)
Ibrahim Orit (2020,2022)
The Youngest player
Travis Mutyaba features for Sc Villa in the Uganda Premier League. He has featured for the Uganda National teams at all levels (U15, U17 and U20 and now the Uganda Cranes). He will be playing at the TotalEnergies CHAN Finals for the first time.
He is just 17 years and 4 months old but his trophy gallery keeps growing each passing day. He now has the chance to add on to that collection with bravery and commitment at the CHAN Finals in Algeria when head coach Milutin Sredojevic calls on his services.
Mutyaba will also join the Uganda U-20 National team after the CHAN Finals as the team prepares for the AFCON Finals in Egypt due next month.
Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba is ‘Mr. CHAN’
Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will lead an experienced team that has been tested at this level from the past editions. Micho who has handled both Zambia (2020) and Uganda (2014, 2016, 2022) at CHAN Finals will be making his 4th appearance.
However, goalkeeping trainer Fred Kajoba (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022) is the most experienced of all the technical members at this level. He deserves the title of ‘Mr. CHAN’.
The other members of the technical team are; assistant coach Moses Basena (2011, 2016 and 2022) Physiotherapist Dr. Ivan Ssewanya (2016, 2018 and 2022) and Physician Dr. Emmanuel Nakabago (2020 and 2022).
Uganda Cranes opened their journey at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a goalless draw against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday.
In the game played at 19th May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, either side made attempts but could not get the breakthrough.
Uganda started on the front foot with skipper Milton Karisa troubling the Congolese on the right wing.
Moses Waiswa and Abdu Karim Watambala also enjoyed big chunks of possession.
Karisa thought he had fired Uganda into the lead midway through the first half but his strike was cancelled with the referee calling for a foul in the process.
Waiswa too got close to opening the scores but his effort from a free kick went a few inches off target.
In the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic made changes bringing on Titus Ssematimba and Ibrahim Orit for Watambala and Rogers Mato respectively.
There were further changes with Travis Mutyaba, Nelson Senkatuka and Kenneth Semakula all coming on for Karisa, Frank Ssebufu and Waiswa in that order.
Defender Gift Fred nearly won the game for Uganda with seven minutes to play when Geofrey Wasswa’s delivery from a free kick found him unmarked in the area but his headed effort ricocheted off the post.
Uganda will return to action on Wednesday next week, facing Senegal.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Marvin Youngman, Abdu Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa (C)
Substitutes Jack Komakech (GK), Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Kenneth Semakula, Hillary Mukundane, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Nelson Senkatuka, Ibrahim Orit, Moses Aliro
Group B Democratic Republic of Congo vs Uganda Stade 19th May 1956 Saturday, 14th January 2023 Kickoff: 7PM (EAT)
Uganda Cranes will hope to begin their expedition at this year’s African Nations CHAN (CHAN) on a brilliant note as they face Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday.
The Group B encounter at Stade 19th May 1956 in Annaba presents an opportunity for the current players to write history.
Uganda Cranes in their last training session on Friday at Stade Chabbou.FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye (extreme left) and a delegation from Uganda watching the team’s last training session.
With Uganda making her sixth appearance at the finals, coach Milutin Sredojevic is aware of what is at stake and hopes his charges can deliver a good result by the end of the day.
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic.
“After three weeks of preparations, it is now time to deliver and do better than before. The players are in the right shape and we hope victory will come our way on Saturday.” He stated.
The gaffer also highlighted the importance of winning the first game in the Group, indicating it eases on pressure.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic giving out instructions in training.
“Every game in the Group in crucial but to win the first game is important. It helps boost confidence going into the next games.”
Skipper Milton Karisa is oozing with confidence and optimistic the team will deliver come Saturday.
Captain Milton Karisa speaking to the media.
“We are ready both mentally and physically. Everyone on the team is pushing towards making ourselves and the country proud. The ultimate target is to go beyond the group stages, a thing we have not done in the past.” He said.
Uganda is in the same group with Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
2018 finalists West Nile Province will face off again against Lango Province on Sunday, 15th January 2023, in the return leg of the final at Akiibua Stadium, Lira.
The White Rhinos are 90 minutes away from winning their maiden trophy following their 2-0 win in the first leg at Greenlight Stadium last weekend thanks to Rashid Toha and Fred Amaku strikes.
It will be the third meeting between both sides with West Nile winning both.
Prior to the return leg final, both sides have played seven matches which started at the round of 16 with West Nile winning six and drawing once, scoring a total of 16 goals and conceding one.
On the other hand, Lango have registered three wins, two draws and two losses, netting seven times and conceding five times.
The tie will also see the two current leading scorers both on four goals meet again that is Westnile Province Ibrahim Dada and Lango’s Allan Okello who both didn’t find the back of the net in the first leg.
Allan Okello of Lango Province & Ibrahim Dada of West Nile Province are the current leading scorers of this edition's FUFA Drum with each tied on 4️⃣ goals.
Just like it was in the first leg, both sides will miss out on the services of key players who are with Uganda Cranes in Algeria for CHAN preparations that is inspirational custodian and skipper Nafian Alionzi for Westnile Province and so is Rogers Mato and Moses Aliro for Lango.
Aliro and Alionzi pose for a selfie at the Cranes CHAN 2022 camp
It’s the second time Westnile Province will be apprearing in the final following their first in the first edition in 2018 which they lost to Buganda over two legs while for Lango Province it will be their first time here.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will be crowned champions.
Buganda Province and Acholi Province won the first and second editions in 2018 and 2019, respectively, before COVID-19 hit the world.
Uganda Cranes arrived in Annaba on Wednesday evening and have settled in well as kickoff for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship draws closer.
With the tournament getting underway on Friday, players and the technical staff are making the final preparations. Equally for CAF, they are making final touches to have a memorable Championship.
On Thursday, the team had an orientation engagement with CAF officials covering aspects like matchday operations, doping, laws of the game, communication, marketing, safety and security among others.
Later in the day, the team also conducted its first training session in Annaba at Stade Chabbou.
Uganda, placed in Group B will kick start the tournament against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday at Stadium 19th May 1956.
Here are some pictures from the day’s events
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa (Right) sharing notes with a CAF Official.L-R: Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba and Nelson Senkatuka.Selfie Moment: Forward Moses Aliro (Yellow) and Goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi.Nelson Senkatuka (seated) and Marvin Youngman during the CAF Photoshoot.Defender Kenneth Ssemakula all smiles while on phone.Midfielder Titus Ssematimba taking pictures using his phone.Defender Geofrey Wasswa all smiles.Abdu Karim Watambala (Left) and Bright Anukani share a light moment.Midfielder Moses Waiswa NdondhiUganda Cranes having a bonding session before training at Stade Chabbou.Team Media Officer Ahmed Hussein(red jacket) and National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala (grey coat).Coach Milutin Sredojevic passing on instructions in training.Players getting ready for training.Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa chest controls the ball.Titus Ssematimba controls the ball in training.Training at Stade Chabbou in Annaba.
The Uganda U20 football national team, The Hippos have on Wednesday entered residential camp at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru ahead of the 2023 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.
The team that departed from FUFA House, Mengo, is expected to spend 10 days in Njeru, which the technical team will use to fully assess and examine the players before shifting base to Cranes Paradise Hotel after reducing the number.
Some of the players pose for photos before setting off
A total of 50 players were summoned by head coach Jackson Mayanja on Tuesday, with only one player (Muhammad Nsereko) from the winning team in Sudan missing.
Most of the summoned players reported apart from skipper and Greek based Isma Mugulusi, Italy based forward Oscar Mawa, Titus Ssematimba and Travis Mutyaba who are currently with the Cranes CHAN team in Algeria.
The Hippos qualified for the second successive time after finishing as runners up in 2021 in Mauritania.
They are in Group B along with the Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, and South Sudan.
The tournament will run from February 19 to March 11 in Egypt, in the cities of Cairo, Ismailia, and Alexandria.
Lukwago Haruna (KCCA FC) Opiru Justine (URA FC) Mpanga Sula (Maroons FC) Ibrahim Juma (FC Leganes, Spain) Ssemayange Simon Kato (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Jimmy Ndalambi (Blacks Power FC) Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC) Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC) Kakogwe Apollo (Wakiso Giants FC) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC) Enyou Allan (Elite Falcons FC, Dubai) Kibande Cyrus (Teranova Soccer Academy) Kitariko Kiano (Kedleston Road, Derby campus, UK)
Midfielders
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC) Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende) Allan Kiggundu (Bul FC) Kyazze Faizo (Manyangwa FC) Mugulusi Isma (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Jemba AbduShakur Ramsey ( International House Football Academy, Manchester) Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC) Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa) Faisal Wabyoona (KCCA FC) Andrew Kawooya (KCCA FC) Mutebi Hakim (St. Mary’s Kitende) Nyanzi Marvin (Wakiso Giants FC) Mukisa Owen (Bul FC) Christian Mulindwa (Rangers FC)
Forwards
Kasinde Ibrahim (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC) Kakande Patrick Jonah ( SC Villa) Hassan Mubiru (Express FC) Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC) Umar Lutalo (SC Villa) Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Kyeyune Abas (UPDF FC) Oscar Mawa (Italy) Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC) Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC) Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20) Kato Shaun Senkubuge (Tottenham Hotspur FC) Alpha Ssali (Unattached) Ssevume Simeo (Rubaga High School), Kakaire Thomas (Unattached).
Officials
Head Coach: Jackson Mayanja Assistant Coach: Massa Simeon Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu Fitness Coach: Kasule Noah Team Manager (Mutyaba Bashir) Team Doctor: Gumisiriza Michael Kamu Physiotherapist: Kyasimire Darline Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire Kits Manager: Bumpenje Frank
Uganda Cranes concluded their ten-day training camp in Sousse, Tunisia on Tuesday as part of preparations for African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022.
The team comprised of only players featuring in the domestic league first had a ten-day training camp in Kampala before moving to Sousse on 1st January 2023.
While in Tunisia, Uganda Cranes has had three friendly games with the aim of fine tuning the players.
The games included Sudan (2-2), Cameroon (1-1) and Mali (0-0).
Leader of Delegation, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe who is also a member of the FUFA Executive Committee highlighted the importance of the foreign camp ahead of a tournament like CHAN.
Leader of Delegation Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe (L) upon arrival in Tunis.
“Like it has always been a norm at FUFA that prior to any major tournament, we take National Teams to a foreign camp and try to create a situation that would give players the competitive mind. I believe the camp in Sousse has been fruitful, the coaches have been able to mould the team and also the players have developed the bond necessary to take them into CHAN,” he stated before adding.
“In addition, we have acclimatized to things like weather and food because Tunisia and Algeria are neighbours, we believe this was a perfect choice of venue to camp. The friendly games have shown improvement and chemistry of the team and we are hopeful of doing better than the previous editions.”
Ahimbisibwe also lauded Government of Uganda for availing funds to help the team have good preparations.
“As FUFA, we are grateful to the Government of Uganda for providing the funds in time to aid the team in having good preparations. The ball in now in the hands of the players to deliver. We call upon all Ugandans back home and across the World to rally behind the team and support the boys when the tournament starts.” He stated.
Uganda Cranes contingent will departed Tunisia for Annaba, Algeria on Wednesday morning. The Team will be based at Ben Mustapha Aouda Hotel.
The first Group game will be against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, 14th January 2023.
Uganda is in Group B that has Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes CHAN squad
Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penz (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
