The Uganda Cranes delegation at the TOTAL CHAN 2018 tournament in Morocco safely and successfully returned home on Wednesday afternoon aboard Qatar Airways on flight QR 1387 via Doha to Entebbe International Airport.
The players and officials were warmly welcomed by the FUFA national teams’ officer Patrick Ntege and Muhammod Blatter Kalema at around 2:30 p.m.
Bernard Muwanga, the team captain upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday
The delegation also had on board the FUFA President and CAF Executive Committee Member Eng. Moses Magogo and Hamid Juma, a FUFA Executive Committee member.
Milton Karisa at the Entebbe International Airport Arrival lounge
‘We learnt a lot of things while in Morocco. This CHAN tournament was good for the exposure of players as well as a platform to prepare for the future tournaments. There is an official press conference planned after the CHAN tournament that will be addressed by the FUFA President and the head coach Sebastien Desabre. The date and venue will be notified to the members of the media’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Communications manager told the media at the Airport.
Ahmed Hussein addressing the media after the Uganda Cranes team arrival from Morocco
After checking out, the players and officials were then received by their friends and family members.
The Uganda Cranes bus drove the team to Kampala at the FUFA headquarters.
Meanwhile, head coach Sebastien Desabre is in Europe where he will continue with the official duties as he interacts with many of the European based players.
Monday, 22nd January: Uganda Cranes Vs Cote D’Ivoire
Marrakech (10 p.m, East African Standard Time)
Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m and all Official FUFA Social Media plat forms
Uganda Cranes will play in their final group B match at the TOTAL CHAN 2018 championship in Morocco against Cote D’Ivoire this coming Monday, 22nd January 2017 in Marrakech.
This will be the final group game for the two countries at the biannual championship that only accommodates locally based players.
The Uganda Cranes team had previously lost by 3-1 and 1-0 to Zambia and Namibia respectively in the earlier matches.
Striker Nelson Senkatuka attempts to dribble past head coach Sebastien Desabre in training on Saturday
After the Saturday training session, Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre remained optimistic the team will perform to the e
The game against Cote D’Ivoire is not a friendly match. We need every player to give in 100 percent commitment to make sure Uganda finishes third in the group. The evaluation of players continues and with the football exhibited in the first two matches, this will be a good stepping stone to continue with the team.
Positive energy:
Desabre has also demanded positive energy like it was in earlier two matches.
We are demanding the same positive energy from the players like in the earlier two games at CHAN 2018 as we finish up the group games on Monday.
Shaban Boost:
Striker Muhammed Shaban trained with the rest of the teammates on Saturday morning.
The KCCA forward had missed the previous match against Namibia due to an ankle sprain.
Shaban’s timely recovery will boost the attacking options with Derrick Nsibambi and Nelson Senkatuka all available for the match.
Goalie Keni Saidi sickness:
On a worrying note however, goalkeeper Keni Saidi missed the Saturday training due to a bout of malaria.
The rest of the players are ready for the match on Monday. Only defender Timothy Awanyi is expected to miss the game due to suspension.
Uganda Cranes players in training on Saturday morningUganda Cranes players
The Uganda Cranes will conduct the final training session on Sunday with the pre match press conference ahead of Monday’s final group game.
Buganda Region Football Association organised an U17 beginners referees course at Dynamic Secondary School, Ssonde.
The beginners Course has attracted 80 participants with 20 girls from all Buganda region football districts and has run 15th-20th January 2018 .
According to Abu Zikusooka the Chairman Technical Committee BRFA, the course was residential because many participants come from long distances and could not commute on a daily basis.
The course is facilitated by Retired FIFA Referees Nelson Nsubuga Mubanda. Samuel Kayondo and Sewaya Miti.
‘The course is aimed at nurturing future referees who will help fill the vacuum of retiring referees’ Said Mubanda.
Mubanda also noted that the reason why Ugandan referees have failed to get FIFA badges and officiate at International level is because they join the field of refereeing when they are already old and therefore the young get accustomed to the laws and rules of the game this they will have a chance and time to upgrade and officiate International Matches.
The Junior Referees course is part of the four beginner courses running between 15-20 January 2018 at FUFA House, Mango, Kajjansi and Luwero.
Namibia defeated Uganda Cranes 1-0 during the two countries’ second group B matches at the TOTAL CHAN Championship in Marrakech, Morocco on Thursday night.
Panduleni Nekundi scored deep in added time of the second half to see the Brave Warriors to their second win in the tournament.
Bernard Muwanga leads the rest of the Uganda Cranes team from the dressing rooms
Uganda Cranes had been the better side for long spells of the game with Milton Karisa, Derrick Nsibambi and Allan Kyambadde coming close on different moments.
Derrick Nsibambi in action
Head coach Sebastien Desabre had called for only one change from the team that lost 3-1 to Zambia.
Goalkeeper Isma Watenga replaced Benjamin Ochan on the starting list with the rest of the players maintained.
Uganda Cranes’ defender Timothy Awanyi was sent off after a foul with about 14 minutes left on the clock.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Namibia
Zambia who had earlier defeated Cote D’Ivoire 2-0 thus progress to the quarter finals with Namibia.
Uganda’s final group B match will be held on 22nd January 2018 against Cote D’Ivoire.
A section of passionate Uganda Cranes fans in the terraces during the match against NamibiaSebastien Desabre, Uganda Cranes head coach
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Namibia:
Isma Watenga (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Dennis Timothy Awanyi, Bernard Muwanga (C), Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Muzamir Mutyaba (85′ Sheif Batte), Derrick Nsibambi, Ibrahim Sadam Juma (56′ Paul Mucureezi), Allan Kyambadde (74′ Nelson Senkatuka)
Subs Not Used: Saidi Keni (G.K), Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Aggrey Madoi, Rahmat Senfuka, Joseph Nsubuga, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Shaban Muhammed, Mubarak Kasule, Moses Waiswa
Uganda Cranes will return to action on Thursday with all their minds set on picking up maximum points against Namibia.
Having lost the opener against Zambia 3-1 in Group B at the Grand Stade Marrakech, in Morocco the Head coach Sebastien Desabre has cautioned his players not to relax.
One of the senior players on the team Sadam Ibrahim Juma attended the official press conference on Wednesday morning together with Sebastien and FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.
Sebastien watching his troops during training on Tuesday evening
‘We know what is at stake in the next two games. We have belief in every player in the team. We all win or lose as a team. We never pick out individuals for any mistakes made during the game. Mistakes are made by the entire team not just one player’ said Sadam.
In reference to goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan following a question from the media during the press conference, Sadam responded;
‘We have total confidence in every player in the team. We know Ochan is a very good goalkeeper and we trust him. Everyone in camp is looking forward to the game against Namibia’ added Sadam.
Sadam Ibrahim Juma says every player in camp is ready for the next game against Namibia on Thursday.
The head coach promised not to change his philosophy about he wants his players to play football.
‘I will not change my philosophy of offensive football. My players know I need a positive reaction from them in the next two games to remain in the tournament. Attacking football calls for a compact backline’ said Frenchman Sebastien.
Sebastien also confirmed that striker Muhamad Shaban will not be available for selection against Namibia.
Sebastien durig the Press conference on Wednesday
‘He is not feeling well. He injured his ankle during training. We might use him in the final group match. However we have options that will come in and do a good job’ added Sebastien.
L-R Sadam Juma, Sebastien Desabre and Ahmed HusseinL-R FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo with the team Doctors Kisolo Ronald and Ivan Sewanyana at the training in Marrakech
Uganda Cranes will play Namibia on Thursday at the Grand Stade Marrakech at 7.30pm Local time (10.30pm EAST). Match will be broadcast live on 102.1 FUFA fm.
MAIN PHOTO: Sadam Juma at the Press conference on Wednesday morning
Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre has conducted two training sessions since Sunday when his team lost 3-1 to Zambia in the opening match of Group B in the Total CHAN Finals 2018, Morocco.
However for every training session held on Monday and Tuesday, the Frenchman has preached positivity and belief from his players.
‘Let us plan for the next game against Namibia. Nothing is impossible in football. I believe you all know what is expected of us on Thursday’ said Sebastien after the training on Tuesday held at the outer pitch of the Grand Stade Marrakech.
‘We created many chances in the first half against Zambia but never utilized them well. We are planning well for our next crucial match’ added Sebastien
All players took part in the training session on Tuesday except for KCCA FC striker Muhammad Shaban who suffered a knock on his ankle of the right leg.
‘I have 22 other players in camp and I need to see them rise to the occasion if Shaban doesn’t make the squad on Thursday. We need to make a difference with good results’ said Sebastien.
Shaban’s injury will be assessed by the Uganda Cranes medical team.
Shaban sat out Tuesday’s session with an ankle injury picked up on Monday in training.
Tuesday’s training session was watched by the Minister of State for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi and FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
Wednesday’s activities for Uganda Cranes;
Official Press Conference: 11am Local Time (2pm EAST) Grand Stade Marrakech
Official Training: 4pm Local Time (7pm EAST) at Annex 4, Grand Stade Marrakech (Opening 15minutes for Media)
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebstien Desabre
The Kampala Region Football Association has organised a six days referees beginners’ course taking place at FUFA House, Mengo.
The Course has attracted 45 participants including those coming from as far as Masaka, Mubende and Kalangala.
The course has both theory and practical sessions for the first five days and the final day will be utilized for examinations.
According to the course examiner, a retired FIFA referee Ali Tomusange, those who will pass the theory and physical fitness test will sit for third paper which will qualify them as beginner referees.
‘This is a strategy by FUFA to have many referees as possible who will officiate games allover Uganda’ Said Tomusange.
He added that similar courses are all taking place at Kajjansi, Bugiri and Seeta which is meant for girls and boys Under the age of 17.
The courses are facilitated by qualified referee instructors Ronnie Kalema, Ali Tomusange, Ali Waiswa, Catherine Adipo, Samuel Egesa, Mansoor Kimumwe, David Davis Katabira and Denis Ojwee.
Those who will pass the physical test and theoretical exams will be awarded with certificates.
Derrick Nsibambi is joined by Ibrahim Sadam Juma to celebrate the Uganda’s equalizer that made the game 1 all
Uganda Cranes suffered a heart breaking start at the 2018 Total Championship of African Nations (CHAN) Tournament in Morocco on Sunday in Marrakech.
The Cranes lost 3-1 to Zambia Chipolopolo Stars during one of the two group B matches.
With four minutes to the end of the first half, striker Derrick Nsibambi cancelled out Lazarous Kambole’s 38th minute opener as the two sides rested for the mandatory half time break tied one goal apiece.
Muzamiru Mutyaba dribbles during the game on Sunday night in Marrakech
Zambia scored two further goals in the second half through Augustine Mulenga and Fackson Kapumbu in the 63rd and 71st minutes respectively.
Uganda Cranes new head coach Sebestien Desabre called for changes as Muhammad Shaban replaced Ibrahim Sadam Juma with twenty minutes left on the clock.
Midfielder Moses Wasiwa came on for Muzamiru Mutyaba on 75 minutes and striker Nelson Senkantuka replaced Allan Kyambadde inside the final ten minutes.
The changes however did not have any instant impact.
Isaac Muleme was cautioned with less than five minutes left on the clock.
Milton Karisa dribbles away from Kabaso Mulenga (shirt 17) during the match
The Chipolopolo Stars now lead group B with three points and a two goal difference margin, ahead of Namibia who registered a slim 1-0 win against Cote D’Ivoire.
Uganda’s next match will be against Namibia on Thursday, 18th January 2018 in Marrakech.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Zambia prior to the TOTAL 2018 CHAN Championship in Marrakech, Morocco
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Denis Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Tadeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Ibrahim Sadam Juma (70′ Shaban Muhammad), Allan Kyambadde (80′ Nelson Senkantuka), Muzamiru Mutyaba (75′ Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi), Derrick Nsibambi
Head coach: Louis Serge Sebestien Desabre (France)
Zambia XI:
Toaster Nsabata (G.K), Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu, Adrian Chama, Ziyo Tembo (Captain), Donashano Malama, Kondwani Mtonga, Ernest Mbewe, Augustine Kabaso Mulenga, Lazarous Kambole, Alex Ng’onga
Subs:
Moses Mapulanga (G.K), Allan Chibwe (G.K), John Mwengani, Lawrence Chungu, Chanda Mushili, Martin Phiri, Mike Katiba, Larry Bwalya, Godfrey Ngwenya, Jackson Chirwa, Isaac Shamujompa, Friday Samu
Head Coach: Wedson Witson Nyirenda (Zambia)
Officials:
Center Referee: Mehdi Abid Charef (Algeria)
1st Assistant Referee: Mokrane Gourari (Algeria)
2nd Assistant Referee: Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso)
Fourth Official: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Commissioner: Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Nigeria)
General Coordinator: Amadeo Nguema Ondo Bindang (Equatorial Guinea)
Former FIFA Referees Denis Batte and Samuel Kayondo are leading the pack of new 71 retired referees who are undergoing a four day Referees Assessment course at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru from 12th-15th Jan. 2018. The FUFA Referee Assessors program plays a crucial role and is within FUFA’s programme for Referee development. The aim of the Assessors course is to enable participants to develop awareness of the role of the Referee Assessors and provide the basic tools, practice and policies they need to carry out their roles effectively. The course has also attracted 49 active assessors bringing the number to 120 participants who will undergo mandatory exams for certification to be enrolled into the main pool of Licensed Assessors in the country. The y will help in assessing all FUFA sanctioned leagues including the newly created ‘The FUFA Drum’.
Attendants of the course at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
Course graduates will be able to.
Identify and apply the multifaceted role of the referee Assessor
Understand and apply basic assessment guidelines
Identify the positive relationships and communication skills needed to work collaboratively with colleagues
Recognize the desirable personal characteristics and qualities
Demonstrate that they have a sound knowledge of the Laws of the Game, modern interpretation and applications, and required mandatory actions and sanctions;
Identify FUFA’s match official policies, their purposes, and how they influence the ability of the match official to make the best decisions
Analyze and report on pre-recorded match incidents and live matches, writing objective, accurate, constructive coaching reports and/ or formal assessments.
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco-(Group B)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the (Group B)
All matches in Marrakech, UG time in Brackets
Uganda Vs Zambia –14th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Namibia –18th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast –22nd January 2018 7 pm (10 pm)
Head coach Sebastien Desabre led his players to Stade de Marrakech for the official training on Friday night under floodlights.
The magnificent stadium with a capacity of 45,240 fans will be host to all the Uganda Cranes three matches in Group B.
The official training session lasted Exactly one hour but there will be another one tomorrow at 6pm Local time (9pm EAST) at a venue to be allocated by the Local Organizing Committee.
All the 23 players were involved in the session monitored by the entire technical team.
‘We are ready for the tournament. The attitude showed during training is what we need on Sunday. Let’s not relax. We have an important match to start with and we must get good results’ Sebastien told his players after the training session.
At the end of the session the head coach took time off to take photos with his players.
Official press conference:
Meanwhile Uganda’s official press conference will be conducted at 11.30 am at the Media Conference room of the Stade de Marrakech.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien with L-R Paul Mucureezi, Timothy Awanyi, Joseph Nsubuga and Captain Bernard Muwanga after training on Friday
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) under the competitions department held the draws for the 44th edition of the Uganda Cup for the round of 64 stage.
The draws were conducted on Thursday, 11th January 2018 at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.
FUFA Acting Competitions Director Hajjati Aisha Nalule supervised the whole exercise, flanked by the FUFA Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu, Hamza Nsereko (FUFA Communications member) and Sarah Birungi, a member of the FUFA Competitions department.
Uganda Cranes legend Paul Ssali Mukisa took part in the drawsHajjati Aisha Nalule, the Acting FUFA Competitions DirectorSome of the journalists who covered the round of 64 draws for the Uganda Cup
The matches will be played starting on the weekend of 20th January 2018.
The finals will be held towards the last weekend of June 2018 in Kumi district.
Like it has been conducted during the previous editions, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) cause attached to the Uganda Cup will still take effect in Kumi and the surrounding areas.
Uganda Cup (Round of 64):
Simba Vs Paidha Black Angels – Gayaza
Onduparaka Vs Light S.S – Green Light Stadium, Arua
Kyetume Vs Luweero United – Mukono
Seeta United Vs Kirinya-Jinja S.S – Seeta
Nabitende Vs Bumate – Iganga
Pallisa United Vs Nyamityobora – Pallisa
SC Villa Jogoo Vs Hope Doves – Masaka Recreational Stadium
Bronken Vs Vipers – Kasese
Kireka United Vs Tigers – Namboole Stadium Outside play ground
Greater Masaka Vs Police – Masaka Recreational Stadium
Kansai Plascon Vs Buitaba – NARO Ntawo grounds
Lira United Vs Kataka – Lira
Ntoda Vs Soana – Ntungamo
Express Vs Kachumbala Rock Stars – Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium
Synergy Vs Bukedea Town Council – Masaka Recreational Stadium
Doves All Stars Vs Agape – Arua
Rushere Vs Kamuli Park – Rushere
Kabale Sharp Vs Busuula Sports Club – Kabale Municipal Stadium
Mbarara F.C Vs KCCA – Kakyeeka Stadium, Mbarara
Lungujja Galaxy Vs Mbarara City – Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Vuura Vs Bright Stars – Moyo
City Lads Vs Kira United – Lugogo, Kampala
Bugwere Vs Ndejje University – Bugwere
Ntinda United Vs Young Elephants – Kamwokya Play ground
Proline Vs Nkambi Coffee – Lugogo, Kampala
Water Vs Maroons – Kyambogo
Masavu Vs Jinja Municipal Council Hippos – Fisheries Training Institute play ground, Bugonga – Entebbe
Suncity Vs BUL – Kasese
Busia Fisheries Vs UPDF – Busia
URA Vs KJT – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Kitara Vs Koboko Rising Stars – Boma Play ground, Hoima
Amuka Bright Stars Vs Saviour – Lira
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu picks up the pots containing the clubs during the 2018 FUFA Uganda Cup round of 64 draws at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco-(Group B)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the (Group B)
All matches in Marrakech, UG time in Brackets
Uganda Vs Zambia –14th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Namibia –18th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast –22nd January 2018 7 pm (10 pm)
Uganda will open its campaign at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals against Zambia on Sunday.
The final 23 players were named on Tuesday after the build-up match against Congo in Rabat.
‘I am happy with the positive attitude shown during this period we have been in camp. The players and staff have been immense. Team work will be key when we arrive in Marrakech’ said Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien after the morning training session on Thursday at the FUS Rabat grounds.
‘It is a good team and we expect them to make Ugandan fans happy by getting good results on the pitch’ added Sebastien.
Isaac Muleme who is at his 3rd Successive CHAN Finals is optimistic of good results.
‘We have been facilitated well and all is fine in camp. The players are raring to go We have learnt a lot of things under the new coach and we expect to make a difference on the pitch’
Uganda Cranes to set foot in Marrakech on Thursday
The Uganda Cranes Contingent will leave Rabat for Marrakech today.
The team has been in Rabat for residential camp acclimatizing with the weather ahead of the kickoff of the championship.
Uganda is in Group B alongside Zambia, Ivory Coast and Namibia.
On Wednesday, Head coach Sebastien Desabre rested all the 11 players who started the game against Congo but the rest of the squad players were involved in training at the FUS Rabat grounds later in the evening.
Thursday’s training was conducted at 9am Local time (Midday in Uganda).
The team will travel to Marrakech at 2pm.
MAIN PHOTO: Saddam Juma, Mutyaba Muzamiru and Timothy Awanyi after today’s training.
The draws for the 44th Edition for the round of 64 of the FUFA Uganda Cup are set for Thursday 11th January 2018 at a press conference to be held at FUFA House, Mengo 11AM.
At the round of 64, the 22 teams that qualified from the regional preliminary round are combined with the 16 Elite League clubs and the 26 from the FUFA Big League to make a sum of the total required for this round.
KCCA is the reigning champion
The 64 Teams to be Drawn
Regional Clubs: City Lads, Hope Doves, KJT, Lungujja Galaxy, Luweero Utd, Seeta Utd, Nkambi Coffee, Busula SC, Butyaba Red Scorpion, SC Bronken, Light SS, Kachumbala Rock Stars, Saviour, Young Elephants, Koboko Rising Stars, Tigers FC, Palliisa Utd, Nabitende, Bugwere, Mbarara FC, Ntoda and Rushere FC .
Big League Teams: Water, Ntinda Utd, Kira Utd, Synergy, Greater Masaka, Kyetume, Kataka, Busia Fisheries, Agape SS, Bukedea TC, Lira Utd, Amuka Bright Stars, Doves All Stars, Vura FC, Paidha Black Angels, Kabale Sharp, Suncity, Bumate Utd, Simba, Kansai Plascon, JMC Hippos, Kireka Utd, Ndejje University, Nyamityobora, Kamuli Park and Kitara FC .
Elite League Teams: KCCA, Vipers SC, SC Villa Jogoo, Express, Soana, Bul, Kirinya Jinja SS, Police, Maroons, URA, UPDF, Onduparaka, Bright Stars, Proline, Masavu and Mbarara City.
FUFA has organized a two day refresher connect workshop for Azam Uganda Premier League clubs and Regional Football Associations Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) at FUFA House, Mengo.
The training workshop which is slated for Wednesday 9th to Thursday 10th January 2018 is designed to refresh and learn more about the dos and don’ts of the player transfer system in order to enhance the smooth process of transferring players during the secondary registration period.
L-R: Hajjat Aisha Nalule, Bernard Bainamani, Issa Magoola and Sarah Birungi during the FUFA Connect workshop at FUFA House, Mengo – Kampala
During the workshop, the acting Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule also addressed the participants on the FUFA Player status and transfer regulations.
‘The FUFA connect project is a FIFA initiative to facilitate player transfer using mordern technology.As FUFA we have to implement it by facilitating stake holders on how to conduct it’ noted Hajjat Nalule.
Some of the participants at the FUFA Connect workshop
She added that the earlier workshops were conducted but there is need to conduct refresher workshops due to the advances in technology everyday.
The workshop was organized and facilitated by the FUFA Competitions Department headed by Hajjat Aisha Nalule with the help of other departments staff Phoebe Kutamba, Sarah Birungi and Emmanuel Kazora.
Another workshop will be held on Wednesday 10th January 2017 at FUFA House, Mengo for the FUFA Big League Club CEOs.
Emmanuel Kazora during one of the presentations on Tuesday at FUFA House
Participants:
Isaac Jurugo – UPDF Football Club
Otidi Morrisse – Northern Region Football Association
Sejjemba Brian – Buganda Regional Football Association
Josephine Namukisa – KCCA Football Club
Sebaggala Muzafaru – Express Football Club
Ssegendo Isaac – Kampala Regional Football Association
Salmin Saleh – Bul Football Club
Bridget Nakayenga- URA Football Club
John Bugembe – Sports Club Villa Jogoo
Asuman Bakshi – Police Football Club
Faridah Rupyora – Police Football Club
Ronald Mindra – West Nile Region Football Association
Bainaman Bernard – Uganda Premier League
Issa Magoola Kakaire – Eastern Region EXCOM
Peter Lwanga – Vipers Sports Club
Mathias Mugwanya – Bright Stars Football club
Martin Juuko -UPDF Football Club
Fred Mugalu -Mabarara City Football Club
Edward Kulubya – URA Football Club
Pius Bamwenge -Maroons Football Club
Ahmed Kongola -Kirinya Jinja SS Football Club
Sarah Kisakye- Kirinya Jinja SS Football Club
Allan Gayi – Masavu Football Club
Moses Tusiime – Soana Football Club
Derrick Bunduka – Kitara Region Football Association
Uganda Cranes kicked off its preparation for the Total 2018 CHAN Finals with a 1-1 draw against West African side Guinea in a match played at the FUS Stade Molay E Hassan Stadium.
The weather wasn’t the friendliest on the evening for a 6pm kick off time (9pm in Uganda) on day that was punctuated by heavy rains right from 5am in the morning. However there were no rains during the game but the biting cold was a menace though the players put on a spirited show to earn a draw.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI vs Guinea on Saturday in Rabat
Head coach Sebastien Desabre used the chance to assess his players further before he names his final 23 man squad for the CHAN Finals. He has one more practice game against Congo on Tuesday still in Rabat before travelling to Marakesh.
With Ismail Watenga set to miss out the opening fixture against Zambia, KCCA FC shot stopper Benjamin Ochan’s experience will come in handy for the team. He started and played the entire game.
Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awanyi and skipper Bernard Muwang were in charge of the back four. Taddeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa, Milton Karisa, Saddam Juma, Allan Kyambadde and Derrick Nsibambi are the other players who completed the starting line-up.
There were early exchanges of short crisp passing of the ball involving Saddam, Kyambadde and Lwanga which resulted in a free kick after Nsibambi was fouled. The resultant free kick never yielded any result as Saddam kicked it in a forest of defenders.
Karisa forced goalkeeper Abdoulaye Kante to parry his shot over the bar but there two moments where Guinea could have taken the lead only to be saved by both the post and cross bar in a space of one minute all in the second half.
Second half substitutes Shaban Muhammad, Senkatuka and Paul Mucureezi never gave Guinean backline any chance to rest. Their sheer speed and skill resulted into a goal for Nelson to tap in Mucureezi’s assist.
Mucureezi (with ball) provided the assist for Nelson Senkatuka to score the equaliser
Guinea’s goal was scored by Camara Saidouba Bissiri.
In brackets players who came on. Subs made: Waiswa (Rahmat Senfuka), Karisa (Muhammad Shaban), Saddam (Muzamiru Mutyaba), Taddeo (Kasule), Nsibambi (Nelson)
Only Masiko Tom and Mustpha Kizza watched from the stands.
Head Coach Sebastien Desabre
‘We had two good chances in the first half where we enjoyed possession. Our second half wasn’t the best in the opening 20 minutes but we changed the strategy and system to 4-4-2. From then on the game was so open to both sides. I liked the attitude, mentality and character of the team. This game has given me chance assess players further which allows me to make a choice on the squad and line up’
Captain- Bernard Muwanga
‘It has been good game despite missing out on a win. We have learnt a lot but my department needs to be alert in the next game to avoid conceding. Today’s game has helped us learn a lot as we have targets for CHAN Finals’
Goal scorer-Nelson Senkatuka
‘It is good to score. We were a better side in the first half. The boys enjoyed the strategy passed to them by the coach. I think we could have won the game if it has stayed 0-0. It wasn’t an easy match as we conceded a sloppy goal’
Saturday, 6th January 2018: Uganda Cranes Vs Guinea
Tuesday, 9th January 2018: Uganda Cranes Vs Congo
*Both matches will be played in Rabat City
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirms the two practice matches that Uganda Cranes will play before the TOTAL CHAN tournament in Morocco.
‘On Saturday, 6th January 2018, Uganda will face Guinea before taking on Congo on Tuesday, 9th January 2018’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Spokesman, who also traveled with the team to Morocco noted.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre believes the two practice matches will help fine tune the team ahead of the 2018 TOTAL CHAN tournament.
‘These two build up matches are geared towards assessing the players’ readiness for the main tournament.’ Sebastien said in an earlier interview.
After the two build ups, the final team of 23 players will be communicated by the head coach who is working closely with his other technical staff (Fred Kajoba and Mathias Lule).
The team left Entebbe via Doha on Wednesday for a 10 day training camp in Morocco.
At CHAN 2018, Uganda Cranes is in group B alongside Zambia, Cote D’Ivoire and Namibia.
Uganda Cranes TOTAL CHAN 2018 Fixtures (Group B)
Uganda Vs Zambia – 14th January 2018 (Marrakech)
Uganda Vs Namibia – 18th January 2018 (Marrakech)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast – 22nd January 2018 (Marrakech)
The Uganda Cranes delegation for the TOTAL CHAN 2018 tournament left on Wednesday afternoon.
The players and some officials pose for a group photo at Entebbe International Airport shortly before checking in
There were 25 players from whom the final 23 will be named after the two international build up matches against Congo and Cameroon.
This followed an early morning training session at the Africa Bible University (ABU) play ground in Lubowa before head coach Sebastien Desabre and captain Bernard Muwanga addressed the media.
Some of the Uganda Cranes players at the Entebbe International Airport departures lounge pointSome of the players led by Muzamiru Mutyaba (left) and Ibrahim Sadam Juma walking to the departures section at Entebbe International AirportUganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre with his laggageSome of the team officials pose for a group photographSheif Batte (left) and Nelson SenkatukaThe delegation in a group photograph at Entebbe International Airport shortly before checking in
Head of delegation is Mr. Hamid Juma, a FUFA Executive Committee member.
The team coordinator Joseph Kasana traveled ahead of the team to assist in the crucial team preparations programmes.
Delegation to Morocco:
Players:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ochan Benjamin and Saidi Keni
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre has named a total of 25 players for a 10 day training camp in Rabat, Morocco.
The team left on Wednesday afternoon to Morocco in preparation for the Total CHAN 2018 championship.
This was after an early morning training session on Wednesday morning at the Africa Bible University (ABU) play ground before the 25 traveling players were named by head coach.
‘For the period i have worked closely with the team, i have at least assessed every member on the team. I will continue to monitor the fitness and mental readiness of the players as we play two international build up matches against Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon in Rabat’ the head coach noted after the final training session.
The two build up international matches will be played in Rabat city as part of the preparation for the team before the final 23 man team will be named.
The team left aboard Qatar Airways with stop overs in Kigali and Doha.
Team coordinator Joseph Kasana traveled ahead of the team.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Hamid Juma is the leader of delegation.
Some of the players and officials at the Entebbe International Airport shortly before departure
Delegation to Morocco:
Players:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ochan Benjamin and Saidi Keni
