Uganda Women’s Senior National Football team had a frustrating outing on Wednesday as they faced Algeria in the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The game played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru saw the Algerians win 2-1 to take advantage from the first leg.
Habiba Karchouni and Imane Chabel scored a goal each at the start of the second half while Fauzia Najjemba pulled one back one for Uganda in the closing stages.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi handed goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi her first appearance in the national team colours.
The backline had Phiona Nabbumba, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo.
In the absence of the first team captain Ruth Aturo who was injured, Hasifah Nassuna took on the role and started in the midfield alongside Joan Nabirye and Riticia Nabbosa.
Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput and Fauzia Najjemba led the attack.
Algeria took the lead through Chabel who headed from a corner kick in the 47th minute.
Four minutes later, the visitors doubled the lead with Karchouni scoring from distance.
Uganda’s goal arrived with three minutes to the end of the game when Fauzia Najjemba converted from the spot after a foul on Amina Nababi in the box.
The Crested Cranes carry hope into the return leg next Tuesday in Oran hoping to overturn the first leg deficit.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will face either Burundi or Ethiopia.
TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2024 First Round, First Leg Uganda vs Algeria FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru Wednesday, 20th September 2023 Kick-off:4PM (EAT) Live on FUFA Tv and 102.1 fufa fm
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team will be seeking to have home advantage count as they take on their Algerian counterparts in the first leg of the first round of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The Crested Cranes will host the Desert Foxes on Wednesday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Crested Cranes last training session on Tuesday evening at FUFA Technical Centre,Njeru.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi is unfazed by Uganda’s opponents and believes his charges are in perfect shape to claim victory at home.
“My area of concern is what is in my control and that is the Crested Cranes and I believe we have had the best of preparations to make sure we win at home,” he said during the pre match press briefing.
The gaffer also added that it will be important to get a good result at home before the return leg in Algeria.
“It will be important that we take a good result from the home game and that is our target. In such games, you must do well at home and we shall fight to get a positive result here.”
Captain Ruth Aturo is equally optimistic the team is going to perform well and get the desired result on Wednesday.
“We have had smooth preparations and the attitude from everyone is perfect and the players are willing to give their best for the country and we are ready to produce the best result against Algeria.” She said.
L-R: Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, Captain Ruth Aturo and Media Officer Amina Babirye.
The two teams will face off in the return leg on 26th September in Oran, Algeria with the winner on aggregate advancing to the second and final qualification round.
Algeria warming up at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
At the second round, the winner between Uganda and Algeria will take on either Burundi or Ethiopia.
Uganda is seeking to return to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the second successive time, having appeared at the last edition in Morocco last year.
WRFA holds successful 10th Annual General Assembly
The FUFA Western Region Football Association (WRFA) on Saturday 16th September 2023 held a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) where important resolutions were made for the progress of football in the region.
The 10th AGM was graced by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye who represented the FUFA president Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim. Also in attendance was FUFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edgar Watson and FUFA Excom members Chris Kalibala and Frank Ankunzire.
During the meeting, members took time to take the advantage of the FUFA president’s presence to raise suggestions that would help develop the sport in the region, which were welcomed and advised on accordingly. The suggestions included having part of the cerebrations to mark FUFA’s 100 years of existence staged in Mbarara, extend the FUFA TV Schools football to the western region schools, ask government to establish regional stadia, among others.
FUFA Vice President Darius Mugoye assured the delegates of a continued FUFA/government engagement to bring into place playable grounds in all regions and also a changed format of the second edition of the FUFA TV schools cup.
“I assure you that next season we shall have competition at regional level ie western Uganda chapter, central Uganda chapter, eastern Uganda chapter and others and the winners in each region meet in grand national finale to determine the national champions,” Darius Mugoye, FUFA 2nd Vice President
On infrastructure, he said
“One of the reasons as to why the president (Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim) took up to contest a political seat, was to get closer to government so he lobbies for football, football infrastructure inclusive and I can assure you he close to government even when I don’t give details, and has already started the lobbying journey.”
Mugoye also consented that there is a cordial relationship between Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and FUFA as schools are the base of football talent identification and development.
He advised the stake holders to do all it takes to avoid manipulation of football results in relation to match fixing and betting as the new sports law has come hard on the culprits.
The FUFA CEO Edgar Watson was happy to find a vibrant RFA seating and advised the FUFA delegates from the region to diligently serve their areas.
Excom member Chris Kalibala made a loud call to the stakeholders in the region to ignite an extra effort into women football development, as the sport in this category has declined in the region.
There was a round of applause when an increased 50m from 25m RFA support from FUFA, was announced, bringing the passed WRFA budget to UGX 57 million this season 2023/2024.
Northern Region Football Association AGM held
Buganda Region Football Association held a successful AGM
Kampala Region Football Association held a successful AGM
Uganda Schools Football Association Annual General Assembly at GNS Plaza, Old Kampala
The Uganda Schools Football Association (USFA) has passed the Budget worth Shs296M for the 2023/24 season. The development was confirmed at USFA General Meeting held at GNS Plaza Hotel-kampala.
Justus Mugisha, the Patron of USFA and FUFA Vice President and Kaliabala Chris FUFA EXCOM Graced the event as a Chief Guest.
Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi, the Chairman of USFA asserted that they will use the money to co-fund school Football’ Competitions for the 2023/24 Season such as Odilo, Girls Football and CAF Schools Tournaments and run Capacity Building Training in Football.
Uganda Football Referees Association Annual General Meeting at YMCA
The FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo) 2023 came to a climax on Sunday, 17th September 2023 at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.
Kampala Grammar Junior School defeated Tororo based Prime View Education Centre 3-1 to be crowned winners of this years edition.
Prior to the final, Prime View Educational Centre defeated Arua based Oasis Primary School 2-1 while Kampala Grammar Junior School eliminated defending winners Rays of Grace Primary School in a match that ended 1-0.
Rays of Grace Primary School secured the third place after defeating Oasis Primary School 2-1.
The FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo) 2023 group stages came to an end on Saturday 16th September 2023 at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.
Oasis Primary school overcame Tooro Boarding Primary School 3-0 to occupy the top spot in Group A, while Rays of Grace Primary School came second in the group standings after defeating Vision for Children Primary School 4-0.
In Group B, Kampala Grammar Primary School finished in the first position after defeating Paorihner Nursery & Primary School 3-2. The second position was occupied by Prime View Education Centre after getting a narrow win over Basajjabalaba Primary School.
Oasis Primary School suffered their first loss in the tournament after Prime View Education Centre won the first semi final match 2-1. This result confirmed the participation of the eastern based side in the final.
In the second semi final match, Kampala Grammar eliminated defending champions Rays of Grace Primary school 1-0.
Uganda U20 Women’s National Football team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has named a provisional squad of 35 Players to commence preparations ahead of the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
The Queen Cranes will face Mozambique at the first round of the qualification phase with games slated to be played between 6th -15th October 2023.
The squad will enter residential camp on Monday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Saturday 16th September 2023 The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is the governing body of football in Uganda. FUFA is seeking competent and qualified technical personnel to fill vacant positions of the Uganda National Senior Team ‘A’-The Uganda Cranes as listed below;
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Goalkeeping trainer
Strength and Conditioning coach
Jobs are open to Ugandans and Non-Ugandans while Coaches who have been holders of these positions are eligible to apply and these are full-time jobs. The application process is now open from 16th-22nd September 2023. Team and/or Individual applications are allowed. Applications should indicate coaching qualifications and working experience. Only applications sent by email and received on vacancy@fufauganda.com by 17:00Hrs on Friday 22nd September 2023 will be considered.
A total of eight (8) teams reported at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Thursday, 14th September 2023 for the FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo). Matches start on 15th September 2023 and are set to run up to September 17, 2023.
Abdallah Mubiru has been appointed as assistant coach of the Uganda Women Senior National Football team with immediate effect as Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi concentrates on the U-20 team going to camp.
Olive Mbekeka also joins the Crested Cranes as second assistant coach while Stephen Kiggundu is goalkeeper trainer.
The search for the Crested Cranes Head Coach and now the entire Uganda Cranes technical team is on.
Today, Thursday 14th September 2023, FUFA and Mr. Milutin Sredojevic agreed to mutually end the existing employment contract between the two parties. FUFA appreciates all efforts and commitment by Mr. Milutin during his period as Head coach of Uganda Cranes. It is Our Game, It is Our Country.
Crested Cranes camp has been boosted with the arrival of Denmark based midfielder Phiona Nabbumba.
The central midfielder joined camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Tuesday evening and straight got to work.
Phiona Nabbumba in action at FUFA Technical Centre,Njeru.
Nabbumba was involved in the practice game against Kampala Select team on Wednesday morning, a game which Crested Cranes won 5-3.
She expressed readiness to help the team, overcome Algeria at the first hurdle of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
“I am happy to join the team and I have found the camp in the right shape, everyone is geared towards the forthcoming game against Algeria,” she started.
“Our target is to return to WAFCON but we can only achieve this by overcoming our opponents in the Qualifiers. Therefore, we must work hard as a team to achieve this target.”
Uganda will host Algeria on Wednesday, 20th September 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru in the first leg while the return leg will come a week later in Oran.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will face either Burundi or Ethiopia at the final qualification phase.
FUFA Judicial Bodies on Wednesday held their annual retreat at A’lure Hotel and Suites in Mutundwe with emphasis hinged on creating awareness among the football stakeholders.
The retreat looked at a series of activities covered in the previous year, the current state and the way forward.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim graced the function and was in the company of FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA EXCO members Sam Mpiima and Ronnie Kalema, FUFA CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza, Deputy CEO-Services Humphrey Mandu and Deputy CEO-Governance Sam Bakiika.
The President emphasized the importance of having proper governance systems in place and indicated FUFA will make sure the game is protected at all costs.
‘As FUFA we have focused on three areas namely, governance, the sport and football business. However, you cannot have success without systems, structures and regulations. I believe our judicial bodies have done tremendous work and this has helped us to protect the game from the several vices. Definitely, we will continue to tighten the nuts and make sure, there is no room for putting the game into disrepute.’ He said.
Mr. Mugoye who made the opening remarks at the retreat lauded the Judicial Bodies for bringing sanity to the game.
“I want to commend the Judicial Bodies for making sure the game of football is protected. The effective enforcement of rules and regulations has helped us to have sanity and as the Executive, we will offer the necessary support to make sure fairness and integrity prevail at all times.” The Second Vice President indicated.
Dr. Taibu Azar, the chairperson of the FUFA Judicial Commission highlighted the need to sensitize football stakeholders about regulations inorder to mitigate current challenges.
‘We have observed that some of the football stakeholders like players and coaches need to be sensitized about the dangers of taking part in illegal activities like match fixing and doping. So, it would serve better if FUFA takes the initiative of educating them so that they know the repercussions involved.’ She stated.
FUFA Legal Manager Denis Lukambi was impressed with the reduction in the number of cases over the last year.
“There was a great improvement with minimal misconduct of players, coaches and other officials last season. Elements of hooliganism and violence have also greatly reduced. We believe the sanctions and punishments administered have helped to curb the vices and with the new Sports law in place, the culprits will face even tougher penalties.” Lukambi revealed.
The FUFA legal department also unveiled a new innovation called the FUFA Judicial Bodies System, an online portal that will help in delivering justice efficiently.
Once put into use, the system will help in timely reporting and making fast decisions.
Composition of the FUFA Judicial Bodies
Football Disciplinary Panel (Formerly Competitions Disciplinary Panel)
The girls’ edition of the FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo) 2023 came to an end today, with Buganda Region side Bombo UMEA Primary School emerging as national winners.
The Luweero-based side defeated Kumi-based Aterai Primary School in a match that ended 1-0 at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Aterai P/S starting lineup
Bombo UMEA P/S starting lineup
Bombo UMEA P/S
FUFA Executive Committee Member Chris Kalibala attended the final and awarded the trophy to this edition’s winners.
EXCOM member Chris Kalibala handing over the trophy
Bombo UMEA P/S players celebrating the trophy win
In the third-place playoff, Habanom Quality Primary School defeated Prime View Education Centre 2-1 to seal their sport in the third position.
Prime View Education Centre starting lineup
Individual Awards
Fair Play Team Award – Habanom Quality Academy Primary School
Most Valuable Player – Tuhaise Faith (Habanom Quality Academy Primary School)
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim on Wednesday made a courtesy visit to Crested Cranes camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru as the team prepares to face Algeria in the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The President was in the company of Honorary FUFA EXCO Member Chris Kalibbala, FUFA Delegate Hassan Kirunda and FUFA National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege.
In his remarks, the President cautioned the players against complacency as they take on Algeria.
“We have to be very serious because this is a very big game,” he started before adding, “If Algeria knocks us out, we shall wait for another three years. The opportunity is here; make use of it because you are not sure you will be around next time.”
“We do need to be complacent. There are not so many opportunities in Africa but in football, whoever wants more, wins. As the FA, we want to give you maximum support.” He added.
Uganda will host Algeria on Wednesday next week at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru before with the return leg slated for 26th September in Oran.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will face either Burundi or Ethiopia in the final qualification round.
At the end of day two of the ongoing FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo) 2023, the participating players in the competition were briefed about their rights, both on and off the pitch
The twenty-minute session was conducted in the presence of Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, the Odilo Vice Chairperson and a member of the FUFA Executive Committee; Sarah Birungi, the FUFA Safeguarding Officer; Miriam Makeba, a member of the Odilo Organising Committee; and Bashir Mutyaba, the Youth Development Manager.
The FUFA Safeguarding Officer, Sarah Birungi, introduced the program to the participating teams.
“At FUFA, we have a new initiative called child safeguarding, designed to provide a safe environment for you to play football. In football, you have the right to play, the right to develop, and the right to be heard. We are here to ensure that you are fully protected. You need to know where to report if you are abused. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.” – Sarah Birungi, FUFA Safeguarding Officer
While addressing the participants, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe encouraged them to always give their best in everything they do.
“I welcome you all to the FUFA Technical Centre, where football is learned. The reason you girls are here is because you are going to replace the current national team players. Success belongs to those who persist, not those who give up. I encourage you to always strive to be the best. You are already the best in the regions you come from.” – Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe
The Youth Development Manager, Bashir Mutyaba, encouraged the participants to use football for development, both on and off the pitch.
“YYou can use football for development, not only on the pitch but also beyond it. Football can serve as a tool to support your learning at school. Through football, we can make friends whom we can rely on in the future, stay fit, and learn how to cooperate with others.” – Bashir Mutyba, Youth Development Manager
Miriam Makeba, a school representative at FUFA, encouraged the participants to continue with their academics.
“I am encouraging all of you who are here today, and I hope to see you in Odilo next year. I encourage you not to abandon your talent after this event. For those of you heading to secondary school, continue developing your talent so that one day you can replace the current national team players. Let’s not neglect academics. Stay focused in primary school. And to the girls who are here, if anyone has ever said something negative to you, tell them they are wrong.” – Miriam Makeba, Schools Representative at FUFA
Over two hundred eighty-eight (288) participants were present at the induction.
Bombo UMEA Primary School shocked Habanom Quality Academy Primary School in the semi final to qualify for the final of the Odilo Championship 2023 that is taking place at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
The match between the two teams ended goalless, and the winner was decided by spot kicks where Bombo UMEA Primary School won 6-5.
Kumi based Aterai Primary School on the other hand eased past Prime View Education Centre winning the semi final match 2-0.
Bwabya Primary School won their first match in the competition after defeating Akuru Standard Primary School 1-0 in a classification match.
The result puts Akuru Standard Primary School in 7th position while Bwabya Primary School will face Otino Waa Primary School to determine the teams in the 5th and 6th.
Prime View Education Centre are to face Habanom Primary School in a third-place match at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, 13th September 2023 before the final that is to be played at 10:30 AM on the same day.
Pictorial
Bombo UMEA Primary School 1-1 Bwabya Primary School
Prime View Education Centre 3-2 Otino Waa Primary School
Akuru Standard Primary School 1-0 Habanom Quality Primary School
Classification match: Bwabya Primary School 1-0 Akuru Standard Primary School
Semi final 1: Aterai Primary School 2-0 Prime View Education Centre
Semi final 2: Habanom Primary School (5)0-0(6) Bombo UMEA Primary School
Crested Cranes camp was on Tuesday boosted with the arrival of three players as preparations for the forthcoming TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier matches against Algeria intensify.
Midfielder Riticia Nabbosa and forwards Fazila Ikwaput and Joanita Ainembabazi joined the rest of the players in camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Nabbosa who recently joined Tanzanian giants Simba Queens FC was impressed with the morale in camp and indicated they will do whatever it takes to guide Uganda to victory.
‘I am happy to be part of the national team set up again. The mood in camp is good and everyone is working tirelessly to make sure we get positive results against Algeria,’ she said before adding, ‘the coaches are working hard so that we get into the right shape before facing our opponents.’
Uganda will host Algeria on 20th September at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru while the return leg will come six days later in Oran, Algeria.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will face either Burundi or Ethiopia at the next and final qualification stage.
A total of eleven goals have been scored by the participating girls’ teams during day one of the FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo) 2023.
Aterai Primary School and Habanom Quality Academy Primary School are the only sides who have won all their matches. Aterai Primary School hails from the North Eastern Region under Kumi DFA while Habanom Quality Academy Primary School is from Kampala Region and under Kawempe DFA.
Tororo-based Prime View Education Centre and Akuru Standard Primary School have a win under their grasp. The latter comes from the Western Region under Kiruhura DFA.
Bwaya Primary School, Bombo UMEA Primary School and Otino Waa Primary School are yet to secure a win in the competition.
Pictorial
Aterai Primary School 1-0 Bombo UMEA Primary School
Akuru Standard Primary School 2-1 Otino Waa Primary School
Habanom Primary School 3-0 Prime View Education Centre
Aterai Primary School 1-0 Bwabya Primary School
Prime View Education Centre 2-0 Akuru Standard Primary School
