Category: CHAN 2024

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put expects no pushovers at the CAF TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) KE.TZ.UG 2024.

The gaffer was reacting to the Draw event for the biennal tournament conducted on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Uganda one of the host nations for CHAN 2024 was placed in Group C alongside Niger, Guinea and two other teams that are yet to qualify.

Having two mysterious opponents itself is a concern for the coach but believes his team will be braced to face any opponent.

“We don’t know which other countries we will be facing for Q1 and Q2 but it is a fine group. So we may end up having teams like South Africa, Algeria or Egypt,” he started before adding, “It is a tough group but when you want to play the final stages of CHAN then you must face big teams. So we have to focus on ourselves and prepare well. We are one of the hosts, we have the support of our fans. It will not be easy but the players must use this opportunity to change their lives.”

Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, The Gambia, Comoros and Gabon will all battle for the final two qualification slots and the eventual two winners will join Group C.

Despite playing at six previous editions of CHAN, Uganda has never proceeded beyond the Group stage and it will be definitely be the first target for Coach Put.

The tournament was initially supposed to start on 1st February but CAF has since postponed it to August this year.

Uganda Cranes has on Wednesday, learned the opponents they will be facing at the CAF TotalEnergies African Nations Championship KE.TZ.UG 2024.

The draw ceremony was conducted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

It should be noted that Uganda alongside neighbours Kenya and Tanzania in August this year.

Prior to the draw, Kenya was placed in Group A as the top seed with Tanzania and Uganda following the same pattern in Group B and C respectively.

Guided by CAF Tournaments and Events Director Samson Adamu, the Draw assistants included our very own former Cranes player Hassan Wasswa, Kenya’s McDonald Mariga and Tanzania’s Mrisho Ngasha.

FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim Magogo, FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, FUFA Executive Committee Committee Member Ronnie Kalema, Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang and FUFA National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala also attended the draw event.

In his speech, the FUFA President shared how the idea to host continental Championships in East Africa and how important it is to the region.

“It is a day of excitement. This was a dream that we had as the three host countries in a restaurant in Egypt. We agreed to go back to convince our respective Governments to bring the rest of Africa to East Africa.” He started.

“We know that the Tournament was meant to start on 1st February but with more six months of preparations, it even puts us in a better place and we promise CHAN will only be a starting point in hosting a memoriable AFCON 2027.”

Minister Ogwang could not hide his delight at hosting continental tournaments like CHAN and AFCON.

“I’m here to confirm and affirm that Uganda is ready to host both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 and we want to thank CAF for giving us the opportunity. I want to welcome the rest of the World to this beautiful part of Africa and ask CAF that we refer to both tournaments as PAMOJA which means Together.”

To the Draw proper, Uganda in Group C was pitted alongside Niger, Guinea, Q2 and Q1.

Q2 and Q1 represent two teams that are yet to play the qualifiers. These will be determined from Algeria, South Africa, Comoros, Egypt, The Gambia and Gabon.

The other groups include Group B that has Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic.

Group D has defending Champions Senegal, Congo, Sudan and Nigeria.

Full Draw

Group A
Kenya
Morocco
Angola
DR Congo
Zambia

Group B
Tanzania
Madagascar
Mauritania
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic

Group C
Uganda
Niger
Guinea
Q2
Q1

Group D
Senegal
Congo
Sudan
Nigeria

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today announced the postponement of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 to August 2025.

Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.

However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities, are at the levels, necessary for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.

The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.”

CAF will be conducting the Draw of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 in Nairobi, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 20h00 Nairobi Time.

The exact date in August 2025 of the commencement of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”)  Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 will be announced by CAF in due course.

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has confirmed the provisional squad that will enter residential training starting Monday, 13th January 2025.

The develoment comes after three days of rigorous training as the team continues to shape ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Thw squad has now been reduced to 28 players that will head to Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi to continue with preparations.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host CHAN 2024 between 1st -28th February 2025.

The draw event to determine the groups of CHAN 2024 will be conducted on Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya

The draws to determine the groups will be conducted this Wednesday, 15th January in Nairobi, Kenya.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC),Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC),Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)

Forwards

Arafat Usama (KCCA FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has summoned a provisional squad of 36 players ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The coach revealed the squad on Wednesday in a press briefing held at FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala.

The squad comprises of four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders and ten forwards.

James Bogere, Brian Ijara and Isima Magala both fresh from guiding the Uganda U17 National Team to AFCON qualification have also made the cut on the squad for CHAN 2024.

The team will start training on Friday, 10th January with non-residential training up to Sunday before entering residential camp on Monday next week at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.

The coach explained that the first three days will be about assessment before the group is reduced to 26.

“ We shall use Friday, Saturday and Sunday to access the players and then have 26 players thereafter. However, the players that will not remain in camp will continue following our programme to make sure they are ever on alert.” He said.

About the teenagers summoned, coach believes this is a good platform for them.

“I believe these players are capable and I wanted to give them an opportunity to train and compete at such a level. We have seen players at that age featuring for their senior team. Therefore, this is their chance to come and show their abilities.” Put added.

He also added that two international friendlies are lined up coming on the 17th January and a week later.

CHAN 2024 will take place between 1st -28th February 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC),Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Brian Ijara (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)

Forwards

Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)

Uganda secured a late win over Burundi as the two teams faced off on Sunday at Hamz Stadium in the return leg of the 2024 African Nations Champions (CHAN) Qualifiers.

Substitute Hakim Kiwanuka scored the lone goal of the game at the death of the clock with his deflected strike heading goal-way.

The win meant Uganda secured victories against Burundi both home and away. It should be noted that the Cranes won the reverse fixture with ab identical score thanks to Isaac Ogwang’s goal.

In today’s game, coach Paul Put rang changes from the team that had started three days ago.

Gideon Odong started at left back in place of Derrick Ndahiro. Joel Sserunjogi and Milton Karisa replaced Paul Mbowa and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza respectively.

The opening quarter was a bit sloppy from either side, and the first realistic opportunity arrived in the 17th minute when Karisa’s cross met Jude Ssemugabi but his headed effort sailed wide.

Three minutes later, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was quick to rush off his goal line to deny a Burundi player.

At the start of the second half, coach Put brought on Patrick Jonah Kakande in place of injured Jude Ssemugabi.

His arrival came with improvement for Uganda Cranes with the winger wrecking havoc.

Kakande had an attempt at goal in the 49th minute but the goalkeeper was well stationed to save.

Okello jumped high in the 52nd minute but his headed effort went wide.

Ten minutes later, Isaac Ogwang had a glorious opportunity when he went through on goal but his effort was saved.

Coach Put made further changes, bringing on Kiwanuka and Ivan Ahimbisibwe for Allan Okello and Ogwang respectively.

In the first minute of the four added time, Kiwanuka’s rebound reflected off Burundi defender Olivier Dushime and went to the back of the net.

The two games are part of Uganda’s preparations for the up coming 2024 CHAN tournament that will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Uganda Cranes nicked a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burundi in the first leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifier game played at Hamz Stadium Nakibubo on Thursday.

The closely contested game saw Uganda Cranes edge the game to take advantage in the two-legged affair.

Striker Isaac Ogwang scored the lone goal of the game and this eventually settled the contest.

The decisive moment arrived in the 35th minute with Ogwang firing a low drive into the bottom right corner.

Uganda started the better side and got several opportunities at goal but failed to find the much needed early lead.

Jude Ssemugabi had a chance in the 11th minute to lobe the ball over the onrushing Burundi goalkeeper but his effort sailed wide.

Five minutes later, Ssemugabi had a glorious chance, rounding off the goalkeeper but his dinking effort was saved off the line by Olivier Dushime.

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza too had an opportunity in the 23rd minute but he headed just above the goal area.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 35th minute with Ogwang receiving the ball from a misplaced pass by Burundi midfielder Gloire Tambwe before firing home.

Burundi piled pressure after recess and got the better chances but Uganda defended resiliently to claim victory.

The two teams will face off again on Sunday at the same venue.

It should be noted that Uganda alongside Tanzania and Kenya already qualified as hosts but Burundi on the other hand are seeking to progress to the final qualification round.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe on Friday visited Uganda to check on our preparedness ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

It should be noted that Uganda will co-host the biennal tournament alongside neighbours Kenya and Tanzania.

Dr. Motsepe arrived at Entebbe International Airport at 4:50PM EAT alongside CAF Fourth Vice President Seidou Nchouwah Mbombo Njoya and CAF Tournaments and Events Director Samson Adamu.

The delegation was welcomed by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who was in the company of FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson Suubi.

Upon arrival, the CAF President addressed the media in the Airport VIP Lounge, assuring the public that the three nations will host the coveted tournament.

“I’m happy to be in Uganda again. I have always said that this place feels like home and therefore I’m not a visitor today,” he started before adding, “I want to assure football enthusiasts all over the world that East Africa is ready to host a big tournament like CHAN and this will be the best Championship ever.”

” I know there are challenges especially on the side of football facilities but I have all the confidence that these will be sorted before the tournament gets underway in February next year. I have the assurance from the Heads of State of the three host nations.”

Dr. Motsepe indicated that such Championships come with numerous benefits and believes CHAN 2024 will have a positive impact on the East Africa Region.

“Football is a tool that brings not only passion but also development in terms of infrastructure, unity, tourism and trade. I believe this region will hugely gain from CHAN as we look ahead of the big picture which is AFCON 2027.”

After addressing the media, Dr. Motsepe and his entourage visited Mandela National Stadium checking on the playing turf, dressing rooms, media centre and outside training pitch among others.

He later visited the residence of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon Annet Anita Among Magogo before meeting the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, Nakasero.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will host CHAN 2024 between February 1st – 28th February next year.

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put has summoned a provisional squad of 26 players ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Qualifier matches against Burundi.

Uganda and Burundi will face off in a two-legged affair on 26th and 29th December 2024 with both games slated to take place at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

It should be noted that Uganda alongside Kenya and Tanzania already secured their slots at the tournament as hosts while Burundi and other countries in the region are competing to take the fourth slot accorded to East Africa.

The team will start non residential training on 21st December before entering camp on 25th December at Nob View Hotel for the two games.

The final tournament is expected to take place between 1st – 28th February 2025.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Forwards

Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Jarieko (NEC FC)