Category: 102.1 FUFA fm

The Uganda Cranes team successfully returned home on Sunday afternoon after qualifying for the CHAN 2018 final tournament.

The delegation all returned safely aboard Rwandair from Kigali via Nairobi on flight WB 452. They set foot at the lake side Entebbe International Airport by 1 p.m.

The reigning CAF team of the year progressed 3-2 on aggregate following a 2-0 loss in the return leg to Rwanda Amavubi Stars.

Since Uganda Cranes had won the first leg 3-0 at the St Mary’s stadium, the team qualified 3-2 on aggregate.

Focus and attention quickly turns to the back to back 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Egypt.

Interim coaches Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba are ready to name the team that will start training as soon as possible.

“I thank the players who played in the CHAN 2018 qualifiers. It gives me the pleasure to see that we have qualified. I wish to thank FUFA, our sponsors, media, Government and the fans for the collective effort. We have already started initial plans for the two upcoming matches against Egypt” Basena told www.fufa.co.ug.

Uganda will host the first leg on Thursday, 31st August 2017 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
PHOTOS: FUFA Communications Department

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President, Eng. Moses Magogo has lauded the fans who traveled to the Stade De Kigali to cheer and support the Uganda Cranes in the return leg of the Total Africa Nations Championships against Rwanda Amavubi Stars.

Although the Uganda Cranes lost 2-0 on the day, the reigning African Team of the year still qualified 3-2 on aggregate, having out smarted the opponents 3-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende during the first leg.

The FUFA President who is also a CAF Executive Committee is grateful to the players, sponsors, FUFA Executive Committee, staff, delegates, partners, the people of Rwanda as well as the football federation, FERWAFA and in a special way to the fans for the land mark achievement – making it the fourth time in a row that Uganda Cranes shall play at the TOTAL Chan tournament.

FUFA President’s message in full;

We came, we represented, we qualified. Not the best of results but a great fight by the team.
My best appreciation and thanks to the fans who out numbered the hosts. Without you it could have been a different story. Kyazze Khassim you are great.
The Coaches and Players to have put up a spirited fight after the early scare from a very good and fighting Amavubi stars
The hosts thus the People of Rwanda and FERWAFA who have been very hospitable.
The staff and Exco of FUFA for the flawless logistics and everyone who made a contribution.
Now let us focus on Thursday 4:00PM on 31st August 2017 at Namboole for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

The team returns to the country on Sunday afternoon aboard RwandaAir on flight WB 542 from Kigali via Nairobi.

TOTAL CHAN 2018 Championship Qualifiers (Return leg, Final Round):

• Rwanda Amavubi Stars Vs Uganda Cranes (Saturday, 19th August 2017)
• At Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo
• Time: 4pm in Uganda (3pm, Rwanda)

The Uganda Cranes squad for the return leg of the Total CHAN 2018 qualifiers against Rwanda has left the country on Thursday afternoon in buoyant mood.

The delegation led by outgoing FUFA Executive Committee Member Sam Lwere left Entebbe International Airport aboard Rwanda Airlines on flight WB 435.

From the players, technical team to the accompanying officials, all looked set and sounded confident to work and earn the desired result with the CHAN 2018 slot at hand.

“We are traveling to Rwanda on a leveled ground. We start the second leg at 0-0. We need to work hard as a unit in the return leg to guarantee qualification” Interim coach Moses Basena told www.fufa.co.ug.

Earlier in the morning, the team conducted the last training session at the Africa Bible University play ground in Lubowa for close to one hour before boarding the team bus and headed to Entebbe International Airport.

In Kigali, the Contingent will be received by team coordinator Joseph Kasana.

Kasana, also the team manager had traveled earlier to ensure a smooth transition and flow of affairs when the team sets foot in Rwanda.

They are expected to rest out for the entire evening before the final training session on Friday evening at the match day venue (Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo).

Uganda Cranes carry a 3-0 goal cushion to Rwanda from the first leg played at the St Mary’s stadium, Kitende.

The winner on aggregate will book a berth at the Total CHAN championship in Kenya (2018).

Traveling delegation to Rwanda

Players:

Goalkeepers: Ismael Watenga, Benjamin Ochan

Outfield players: Nico Wakiro Wadada, Deus Bukenya, Isaac Muleme, Martin Kizza, Bernard Muwanga, Timothy Denis Awany, Paul Musamali, Muzamir Mutyaba, Shafic Kagimu, Tom Masiko, Paul Mucureezi, Milton Karisa, Simon Sserukuma, Moses Waiswa, Erisa Ssekisambu and Derrick Nsibambi

Officials:

Leader of Delegation: Sam Lwere

Technical Staff: Moses Basena, Fred Kajoba

Team Medics: Dr Ronald Kisolo & Ivan Sewanyana

Team Coordinator: Joseph Kasana

Media Officer: Stephen Mayamba

102.1 FUFA fm Commentator: Lawrence Bwanika

Total CHAN 2018 Championship Qualifiers (Return leg, Final Round):

• Rwanda Amavubi Stars Vs Uganda Cranes (Saturday, 19th August 2017)
• At Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo
• Time: 4pm in Uganda (3pm, Rwanda)

The Uganda Cranes interim coaches Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba have named the final squad traveling to Kigali for the return leg of the third and final round of the Total CHAN 2018 qualifiers against Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars.

The team conducted its last training session at the Africa Bible University play ground in Lubowa on Thursday Morning.

Team captain Bernard Muwanga promised to command his team to victory against the  Rwandese to send Uganda to the CHAN Finals to be hosted by neighbours Kenya.

“The captain is a commander who is rated after the war. I am looking forward to the game. It will not be an easy game but we are ready’ Muwanga told www.fufa.co.ug.

Muwanga added that there is no need to sit back despite of the healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg.

Basena says he will not take the game lightly as there is still alot to play for.

Traveling delegation to Rwanda

Players:

Goalkeepers: Ismael Watenga, Benjamin Ochan

Outfield players: Nico Wakiro Wadada, Deus Bukenya, Isaac Muleme, Martin Kizza, Bernard Muwanga, Timothy Awany, Paul Musamali, Muzamir Mutyaba, Shafic Kagimu, Tom Masiko, Paul Mucureezi, Milton Karisa, Simon Sserukuma, Moses Waiswa, Erisa Ssekisambu and Derrick Nsibambi

Officials:

Leader of Delegation: Sam Lwere

Technical Staff:  Coaches Moses Basena, Fred Kajoba

Team Medics: Dr Ronald Kisolo & Ivan Sewanyana

Team Coordinator: Joseph Kasana

Media Officer: Stephen Mayamba

102.1 FUFA fm Commentator: Lawrence Bwanika

TOTAL CHAN 2018 Championship Qualifiers (Return leg, Final Round):

Rwanda Amavubi Stars Vs Uganda Cranes (Saturday, 19th August 2017)

At Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo

Time: 4pm in Uganda (3pm, Rwanda)

The Uganda Cranes team has on Wednesday evening entered the residential camp at the Africa Bible University in Lubowa along Entebbe road.

After the practice match played at Lugogo in which Uganda Cranes won 3-0 against KCCA FC,  the players and technical staff wnet straight to Lubowa.

The national team won convincingly  with goals coming from Erisa Ssekisambu, Nelson Senkatuka and Martin Kizza.

One of the three goalkeepers on the team, Ismael Watenga has promised to fight for his country and keep a clean sheet like he did during the first leg that Uganda won 3-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

‘Team work will remain key in the second leg against Rwanda in Kigali. We shall work as a unit to maintain a clean sheet’ Watenga spoke to www.fufa.co.ug.

The team will conduct a light session at 8 a.m on Thursday before departure for Kigali through Entebbe International Airport.

Head of the advance party Joseph Kasana departs the country early enough on Thursday to help with the team travel arrangements  before the team leaves later in the afternoon on Thursday.

In Kigali, they will be accomodated at Galaxy Hotel.

The players in camp:

Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Ismael Watenga (G.K), Saidi Keni (G.K), Deus Bukenya, John Adriko, Isaac Muleme, Paul Musamali, Timothy Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Simon Sserunkuma, Martin Kiiza, Tom Masiko, Paul Mucureezi, Erisa Ssekisambu, Derrick Nsibambi, Shafiq Kagimu, Moses Waiswa, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Milton Karisa

Practice Match (Closed door): KCCA FC 0-3 Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes edged Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) 3-0 in a practice match played at the  Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala on Wednesday evening.

Erisa Ssekisambu, Nelson Senkatuka and Martin Kizza scored for the dominant National side ahead of the final training session on Thursday morning at the Africa Bible University in Lubowa.

The interim coaches Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba rested some players to accord all the players some playing time.

Goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, Nico Wadada, Milton Karisa and Muzamiru Mutyaba did not play any part in the victory also watched by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.

This was the last build for the national team ahead of the final training session on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the team has entered the residential camp at Lubowa on Wednesday evening.

The advance party will depart for Kigali on Thursday morning as the team is expected to fly out later in the day.

Line Ups:

KCCA: Jamal Maliyamungu (G.K), Dennis Rukundo, Mustapha Kizza, Filbert Obenchan, Lawrence Bukenya (Hamdan Nsubuga), Abdallah Muhammed (Ronald Kikonyongo), Allan Oryek, Abraham Wamani, Abram Ndugwa (Noel Nasasira), Lincon Mukisa, Ibrahim Kasule, Bernard Wamusi

Subs: Charles Lukwago (G,K), Bosco Kyakuwa, Patrick Sserunjogi

Uganda Cranes XI: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Deus Bukenya, John Adriko (45′ Isaac Muleme), Paul Musamali, Timothy Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Simon Sserunkuma (45’ Martin Kiiza), Tom Masiko (45’ Hassan Wasswa Mawanda), Paul Mucureezi, Erisa Ssekisambu (70’ Derrick Nsibambi), Shafiq Kagimu (45’ Moses Waiswa)

Subs Not used: Ismael Watenga (G.K), Saidi Keni (G.K), Muzamiru Mutyaba, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Milton Karisa

TOTAL CHAN 2018 Championship qualifiers:

• Rwanda Amavubi Stars Vs Uganda Cranes (Uganda Cranes lead 3-0 from first leg)
• Saturday, 19th August 2017
• Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo

The Uganda Cranes team has intensified training as days for the final round of the TOTAL CHAN 2018 qualifier return leg against Rwanda draw closer. On Tuesday, Interim coaches Moses Basena and his assistant Fred Kajoba stepped up the gear with the sessions by switching the training to morning hours at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo.

Twenty one players were present and are optimistic of a positive result on Saturday.

Team Captain Bernard Muwanga said;

‘It is not over yet despite carrying a 3-0 lead from the first leg. We won the first battle but the war continues in Kigali on Saturday.We still need to win the return leg to accomplish the job’

Defender Timothy Dennis Awanyi who missed the first round of the qualifier said that he is ready for national team duty.

“I’m ready to join the rest of the sqaud in our bid to play in CHAN as we know the value of featuring at such tournaments. I missed the first leg of the qualifier but i kept following the proceedings about the match. I need to work hard to convince the coach to consider me for selection’

Training continues on Wednesday afternoon behind closed doors at Lugogo.

Players who attended the Tuesday session:

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Ochan, Saidi Keni, Ismael Watenga

Outfield players:  Isaac Muleme, Nicholas Wadada, Bernard Muwanga, Timothy Awanyi, Moses Waiswa, Rashid Toha, Paul Musamali, John Adriko,  Martin Kizza, Muzamir Mutyaba, Shafic Kagimu, Paul Mucureezi, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Derrick Nsibambi, Milton Karisa, Tom Masiko,  Simon Serunkuma, Deus Bukenya, Erisa Ssekisambu

The Uganda Cranes returned to training on Monday 14^th August 2017 at the Star Times Stadium Lugogo ahead of the CHAN 2018 qualifiers final round return leg against Rwanda on Saturday in Kigali.

Fourteen players reported for the evening training session under the watchful eyes of interim coaches Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba.

The players were taken through recovery drills composed of light trots, ball work and shooting from close range.

After the training, the team tactician Moses Basena was impressed by the players’ response during the impulse check training and said that they need not to relax because ahed of the retrun of the return leg. Uganda Cranes silenced Rwanda 3-0 on Saturday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

‘We still have much to do for the game against Rwanda. We won the first half which our opponents can reverse the result’ noted Basena

He added that the Vipers SC players missed the session because of club engagements which was communicated earlier.

The team was joined by players Martin Kizza and Timothy Awanyi who missed the match against Rwanda.

Team training resumes on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Players who attended the Monday session:

Benjamin Ochan (GK), Said Keni (GK), Isaac Muleme, Bernard Muwanga, Timothy Awanyi, Savio Kabugo,Paul Musamali, John Adriko,  Martin Kizza, Muzamir Mutyaba, Shafic Kagimu, Paul Mucureezi, Nelson Senkatuka and Derrick Nsibambi.

TOTAL CHAN 2018 Qualifiers (Final Round, 1^st Leg)

• Uganda Cranes 3-0 Rwanda Amavubi Stars

Uganda Cranes convincingly overcame Rwanda Amavubi Stars 3-0  during the 2018 Total CHAN first leg qualifier at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday

Midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba scored a brace in the 14th and 25th minutes before Derrick Nsibambi’s second half goal to give the interim coaches Fred Kajoba and Moses Basena a great start to the job.

Mutyaba’s first goal was a well converted kick from the penalty mark after a foul on Derrick Nsibambi by defender Aimable Nsabimana

Midfielder Tom Masiko replaced captain Bernard Muwanga as the second half kicked off.

Hard working right back Nico Wakiro Wadada took over the captaincy when Muwanga was replaced.

The other changes for the Uganda Cranes witnessed the two goal hero  Mutyaba pave way for Paul Mucureezi and Muhammed Shaban replaced Moses Waiswa.

It is advantage the Uganda Cranes ahead of the return leg at Kigali regional stadium on 19^th August 2017.

The overall winner on aggregate will book a berth to the final tournament in Kenya, in January 2018.

TEAM LINE UPS:

UGANDA CRANES XI: Ismael Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Paul Musamali, Savio Kabugo, Bernard Muwanga (45’ Tom Masiko), Milton Karisa, Moses Waiswa (80’ Muhammed Shaban), Derrick Nsibambi, Muzamiru Mutyaba (60’ Paul Mucureezi), Shafiq Kagimu

Subs Not Used: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Rashid Toha, Deus Bukenya, Erisa Ssekisambu

Interim Coaches: Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba (Uganda)

RWANDA XI: Marcel Nzarora (G.K), Eric Iradukunda, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Aimable Rucogoza, Aimable Nsabimana, Thierry Manzi, Yannick Mukunzi, Seif Olivier Niyonzima (69’ Kevin Muhire), Djihad Bizimana, Dominique Savio Nshuti, Barnabe Mubumbyi (52’ Abeddy Biramahire)

Subs Not Used: Yve Kimenyi (G.K), Soter Kayumba, Latif Bishira, Jean Marie Vianney Muvandimwe, Amran Nshimiyimana

Head coach:  Antoine Hey (German)

Match Officials:

Center Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)

1st Assistant Referee: Gustave Baguma (Burundi)

2nd Assistant Referee: Willy Habimana (Burundi)

4th Official: Georges Gatogato (Burundi)

Match Commissioner:  Mohamed Omar Abubaker Yusuf (Kenya)

TOTAL CHAN 2018 Qualifiers:

Uganda Cranes vs. Rwanda

At St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

Follow Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the football radio

The Uganda Cranes XI against Rwanda in the Total CHAN 2018 Qualifier at St Mary’s stadium, Kitende is promising.

Ismael Watenga starts in goal with Nico Wakiro Wadada at right back.

Isaac Muleme is the left back player as  Paul Musamali and Savio Kabugo will start in central defence.

Bernard Muwanga once again takes the anchorman’s role like he diligently did against South Sudan in the earlier round.

The offensive task is bestowed upon Milton Karisa, Moses Waiswa, Derrick Nsibambi, Muzamiru Mutyaba and Shafiq Kagimu.

Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Rashid Toha, Deus Bukenya, Erisa Ssekisambu, Paul Mucureezi, Tom Masiko and Muhammed Shaban are all substitute players ready to impact to the game at any stage of the game when introduced.

The return leg will take place next weekend.

Uganda Cranes XI:

Ismael Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Paul Musamali, Savio Kabugo, Bernard Muwanga (Captain), Milton Karisa, Moses Waiswa, Derrick Nsibambi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Shafiq Kagimu

Subs: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Rashid Toha, Deus Bukenya, Erisa Ssekisambu, Paul Mucureezi, Tom Masiko, Muhammed Shaban

Referees:

• Center Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
• 1st Assistant Referee: Gustave Baguma (Burundi)
• 2nd Assistant Referee: Willy Habimana (Burundi)
• 4th Official: Georges Gatogato (Burundi)
• Match Commissioner:  Mohamed Omar Abubaker Yusuf (Kenya)

TOTAL CHAN 2018 Qualifiers (Final Round, 1st Leg):

Uganda Cranes Vs Rwanda – Saturday, 12th August 2017

At St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

ENTRY FEES: 15,000/=, 25,000/= & 50,000/=

The Uganda Cranes technical team and players remain confident of a convincing home performance ahead of the TOTAL CHAN 2018 two legged qualifiers against neighbours, Rwanda.

Interim coaches Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba are confident of a great home performance when the team faces Rwanda at the St Mary’s Stadium in the first leg on Saturday.

“We have done the preparations right from Namboole last week todate. All the players are mentally and physically prepared” Basena told www.fufa.co.ug.

Kajoba, equally added to the voice and rallied the fans to come in big numbers and cheer the team unstop on Saturday.

“We are at home and i call upon the fans to come in big numbers and give the due support to the team and players” Kajoba added.

Senior players on the team as Savio Kabugo, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Benjamin Ochan and Bernard Muwanga are also upbeat ahead of the match.

“This is the match we have at stake to perform well and get a good goal margin before the return leg next week.We shall give our best” team captain Wadada assured.

Kabugo called upon the 12th man (fans) to come in big numbers to give them the due support.

“The fact that we shall be at home gives us an edge over our opponents. I also call upon the fans to come and support us, encourage the players from start to finish” Kabugo noted.

Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes will train at 2 p.m on Friday at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende before paving way for the visitors to feel the field of play as mandated by the CAF match competition rules and regulations.

There are no injury concerns to the team as the players are fully fit and ready for the task before them.