The Uganda Cranes team conducted their opening session on Monday evening ahead of the final group D encounter against Mali at Stade Oyem.
The training took place at Stade Bitam a 5 minute drive from the team hotel but the match on Wednesday will be played at Stade Oyem about 75 KM from where the team is accommodated at Benedicta Hotel in Bitam.
www.fufa.co.ug brings you the pictorial.
Uganda Cranes players fight for possessionGoalie Odongkara with the ballShafiq Batambuze fights for possession with Luwagga William
On Wednesday, Uganda – Mali game will take place at the same time Ghana will be facing Egypt in Port Gentil.
Young striker Muhammed Shaban in action
Uganda fell 1-0 apiece to Ghana and Egypt in the opening two matches.
L-R: FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke, FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo and Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
L-R: Dr Ronald Kisolo, FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Byamukama, Team manager Chrispus Muyinda and skipper Geofrey Massa
After arriving safely in Oyem City from Port Gentil on Sunday, the Uganda Cranes is set to face Mali on Wednesday.
The team officials (manager Chrispus Muyinda, team doctor Ronald Kisolo), head coach Milutin Sredojevic and the captain, Geofrey Massa addressed the media on Monday.
This was during the official pre-match press conference and the match coordination meeting held at Stade De Oyem about 75 KM from the team hotel, Hotel Benedicto, located in Bitam town.
L-R: Coach Micho, Ahmed Hussein and Team captain, Geofrey Massa
Media officer Ahmed Hussein, coach Micho and Geofrey Massa addressed the media and expressed their willingness to fight for the maximum points come Wednesday.
Uganda Cranes team manager Chrispus Muyinda and the team captain Geofrey Massa after the press conference at stade De Oyem
Geofrey Massa:
We are disappointed that we didn’t get points from the games against Ghana and Egypt but the boys will not give up on Wednesday. We want to win.
We shall be hungry for three points. Expect big performance from the players.
Coach Micho:
This was another tough group of teams Ghana, Mali and Egypt with rich history in African football.
I’m proud of the players led by Massa. They carried the Ugandan flag high. Mali will feel the heat on Wednesday.
Millions of fans back home will follow the match on Wednesday. We want to give our best and make them happy.
One moment can decide very many things in football. Ghana and Egypt have the potential to go further in the AFCON tournament.
I’m fully focused on the 90 minutes ahead of us. There is a world cup dream. Two matches coming up at Namboole Stadium in Kampala.
I have a contract until 2018. I’m fully focussed on Uganda Cranes. FUFA are doing a good job with my contract.
The match co-ordination team was ably represented by the FUFA Executive committee member Rogers Byamukama, Team doctor Ronald Kisolo and the team manager, Chrispus Muyinda.
Uganda Cranes lost narrowly to Egypt 1-0 in the second group D match at the 2017 AFCON tournament.
The Egyptians required a late winner, two minutes from full time much to the disappointment of the Cranes who had staged a gallant fight throughout.
The match was played at Stade De Port Gentil on Saturday night as cheered by a great passionate crowd who traveled all the way to Gabon.
Tonny Mawejje was mercurial against Egypt
Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic called for three changes from the side that played Ghana in the opener.
Aucho Khalid, Godfrey Walusimbi and Murushid Jjuuko started in a game Uganda needed to win to keep hopes of a quarter final slot alive.
Khalid Aucho was at his best against Arsenal’s Elneny in the match against EgyptUganda Cranes captain, Geofrey Massa in action
Senegalese referee, Malang Diédhiou was in charge of the match where the Cranes also proved they are force on the African continent.
Dennis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, the returning Murushid Jjuuko, Joseph Ochaya, Faruku Miya and Godfrey Walusimbi were particularly impressive.
There were changes when teenager Muhammed Shaban replaced historic captain Geofrey Massa, Nico Wadada came in for Miya and a late replacement when Moses Oloya came in for Dennis Iguma.
Uganda Cranes fans passionately cheered the team from start to finish. They were later joined by Mali and Tunisia fansThe FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo was joined by FUFA Executive committee members Hamid Juma and Rogers Byamukama, the FUFA publicist Ahmed Hussein in the stands at Port Gentil. There are quite a number of other FUFA othersUganda Cranes technical bench and substitute players passionately singing the national anthemUganda Cranes substitute players
Micho believes it is not the end of the road for Uganda.
“We have learnt a lot from this experience. All the games played at 2017 AFCON continue to make us a better brand” Micho told the post match press conference.
The team flew to Oyem on Sunday morning where they are now camped until Wednesday set for the last match against Mali.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Dennis Onyango (GK), Dennis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Massa (Capt), Joseph Ochaya
The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga has on Saturday visited the Uganda Cranes camp in Gabon.
She was received by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and other federation officials before being ushered for a brief press conference at Hotel Du Parc.
The FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo and the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga
The Speaker was flanked by the Minister of State for Sports Hon Charles Bakabulindi, Uganda’s Ambassador to Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and Central African Republic James Kinobe, several members of Parliament Moses Kasibante, Connie Nakayenze, Elijah Okupa, Anita Among, Maureen Lanyero, Allan Ssewanyana Thomas Tayebwa, Patrick Isiagi Opolot, Al Hajji Muhammed Nsereko and Peter Ogwang.
Speaker hands over a dummy cheque to Geofrey Massa, the team captain
She also delivered the financial token of Ug.shs 224,500,000 to the team from the Ugandan MPs who contributed 500,000/- each to the Cranes Contingent in Gabon.
The token comes at a timely time when Uganda Cranes plays their second group D match against Egypt on Saturday night at Stade De Port Gentil.
Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga greeting African footballer of the year and Cranes keeper Denis Onyango.
‘We are very proud of the team. Please continue representing us well’ saaid Kadaga
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo appreciated the visit and financial package to the team.
The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga is in Gabon ahead of Uganda Cranes match against Egypt at Port Gentil on Saturday night.
She arrived at the Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville on Friday evening.
‘We expect the Speaker to fly to Port Gentil on Saturday morning where she will meet the players and other team officials’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA spokesman confirmed the visit.
‘The Speaker is an ardent follower and lover of football-especially Uganda Cranes. She rallied behind the team when prepapring for the final qualification game against Comoros in 2016 and the team won’ added Hussein.
‘She will also talk to the players and officials with a word of inspiration or two’.
Uganda takes on Egypt on Saturday night in a group D match.
The two week Confederation of African Football (CAF) coaching course that kicked off at Fufa Technical centre in Njeru on Monday 9th January and stretches up to Sunday 12th January 2017 will climax on Sunday
49 coaches from the super division clubs and some from other National Football Teams are attending the course supervised by Sunday Kayuni, a CAF instructor from Tanzania.
The participants are being taken through different coaching course units including
The Theory of coaching methods; practical, physical preparation for teams in realistic activity; the theory and practice of defensive play; defending in a game situation; attacking and defending at set plays, corners and throw ins; playing in the final third of the field; systems of play – which was a power point presentation; process of team selection and communication with players on the bench during a game and practical sessions relating to retaining shape (defensively) and value of mobility in attack.
Also in Modern trends in football, Planning and pre-season preparation, System Development and Evaluation, Ball possession and communication, Game reading and Match Analysis among others.
One of the participating coaches, Golola of Club Vipers is thrilled with the course modules and he hopes this will help him know deeply about the game.
“I want to first thank CAF and FUFA for organizing for us this course because we have learnt a lot in these two weeks we have been here and I feel am now technically uplifted.”
“We have now learnt new modern tactics that I feel will help us in developing good players for the future.” Remarked soft-spoken Golola.
Course will climax on Sunday 22 and FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha is expected to preside over at the closing ceremony
The CAF Coaching course is aimed at helping to educate and equip coaches with new modern coaching knowledge at various levels at their work-places.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and regular player Hassan Wasswa Mawanda were at the official pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Total 2017 AFCON finals Group D match in Port Gentil.
Egypt and Uganda will face on Saturday at 10pm (EAST, 8pm in Gabon).
Prior to the press conference, both teams Uganda and Egypt had representatives at the mandatory coordination meeting in preparation for the game.
Manager Chrispus Muyinda, Rogers Byamukama, Ahmed Hussein and Dr. Ronald Kisolo represented Uganda Cranes at the meeting.
Uganda will wear White tops, black shorts and white socks. Uganda Cranes goalkeepers will put on all yellow.
Egypt has confirmed to use red top, white, black socks with white strips while the keepers all Green.
Press conference for Uganda Cranes
Hassan Wasswa Mawanda
‘We are not under any pressure. We are here to enjoy the tournament, learn alot and get good results against all the teams we play against. Our net game will be very important to the entire team’ said Hassan Wasswa who represented the captain Geoffrey Massa.
We know what the Egyptians can offer on the table. We have studied them for a long time and we are ready for the match’
‘Come tomorrow anyone who has done his homework well will win the game. We have done ours and let us wait for the match against Egypt’
‘We came here to work and enjoy our football. We are taking each game at a time’
Hassan Wasswa in Yellow during the press conference. On the left is CAF Media officer Ayishat.
‘We know the value of tomorrow’s match. We think out the fans back home in Uganda and how much joy we shall bring on their faces when we get a good result against Egypt’ said Micho.
Micho at the press conference on Friday afternoon in Port Gentil.
Uganda Cranes will hold the final training session later today at 7pm, Stade Sogara.
Uganda Cranes enjoyed a work out at the Satde Annex inPort Gentil on Thursday evening as they prepare for Saturday’s Total 2017 AFCON Group D match against Egypt.
We bring you captivating photos from today’s training.
Pix
Showing skills-Head coach Milutin Sredojevic with the ball
Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajob with his brigade Onyango Denis, Odongkara Robert and Salim JamalTimothy Awany with the ball during training on Thursday
Uganda Cranes will play Egypt on Saturday at the Port Gentil Stadium on Saturday night.
The mood at the team Hotel Du Parc in Gabon is positive and promising.
The different players have spoken to www.fufa.co.ug and reveal their thoughts, expectations and demands ahead of the Egypt and Mali group D matches.
Dennis Onyango: I urge Ugandans to rally behind the team. This has been the first time for Uganda in over 39 years to make the continental grade.
Goalkeeper Denis Onyango
Hassan Wasswa Mawanda: Playing at AFCON finals has been a great experience. It is a learning curve and we remain composed because the next match is the most important at the moment.
Faruku Miya: We are focused and set for Egypt. We have recovered from the loss and as men, we now what brought us in Gabon. We shall fight as hard as possible
Aucho Khalid: It was sad to watch from the sidelines when we lost 1-0 to Ghana. Now I am glad that I am back into contention for the match against Egypt. I call upon every Ugandan to support us like they have always done.
Muhammed Shaban: To play at AFCON 2017 is my biggest reward of football. I will continue working hard to work with my teammates in all the matches. I am also happy for the senior players like Geofrey Massa who have helped me work hard and settle quickly. I am focused for the Uganda Cranes duty.
Uganda Cranes technical bench officials sing the national anthem ahead of kick off
Head Coach Micho: We have continued to recover from the Ghana loss in a record time. Personally, I am happy for the response from the players. We have Thursday and Friday to polish up our mistakes ahead of the remaining matches. Players are being empowered with the mental and tactical strategies.
Assistant Coach Moses Basena: Decision making remains a key aspect ahead of Uganda Cranes game with Egypt. We have to be quick in every decision undertaken and making the right decisions at the right timing.
Goalkeeping Coach Fred Kajoba: All the players are in the right shape with no injuries. It now calls for collective team effort (team work) and self belief ahead of our remaining group matches. I am happy for goalkeeper Dennis Onyango and the rest of the players on the team. Football is a team effort and calls for sacrifice, team work, determination and self belief.
Uganda Cranes will have two more players available for selection as they head into the fixture against Egypt on Saturday at Stade Port Gentil in the ongoing Total AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.
Defender Murushid Juuko and midfielder Khalid Aucho missed the game against Ghana which Cranes lost 1-o. The due were serving suspension picked up from the qualification campaign.
Juuko and Aucho trained on Wednesday at Stade Sogara and head coach Micho said he is happy to see the players back.
‘Let us plan accordingly following the availability of the two players. Juuko and Aucho will add value to the team. I will not face any headache in the team selection. We always need our best players all available for duty’ said Micho.
Hassan Wasswa told www.fufa.co.ug that his fellow players are looking forward to the game against the Pharaohs
‘We are not under any pressure. We shall play to get better for results to keep us in the competition. The players are fired up as you evidenced in training’
Uganda Cranes will return to training on Thursday afternoon at Stade Sogara starting 3.30pm. All Photos were taken from Wednesday’s training.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has received a certificate of registration to continue running the most popular sport in the country.
The certificate was handed over to FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Executive Committee Member Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel and FUFA Legal officer Denis Lukambi by the NCS Chairman, Technical Hajji Zubair Galiwango at Lugogo.
‘The certificate of registration issued to FUFA shows what we have been sensitizing people about the rightful owners of the game in the country. The issuance of the certificate is good news to the 33 Members of FUFA’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
‘We need to continue with our programmes as the public expects a lot from us. Our five year strategic plan approved by the Assembly in Luweero is what we are following for execution’ added Hussein
‘FUFA would like to thank the Government through the National council of sports and Ministry of lands, Housing and Urban Development, senior Executive members and our legal team that has done a wonderful job during this process.
The issuance of the certificate buries almost any hopes of glimmer by any individuals or disgruntled groups who were claiming legality to run football in Uganda.
Here are Milutin Sredojevic’s post match press conference quotes at Stade Port Gentil after Uganda Cranes fell to Ghana on Tuesday 17th January, 2017
‘WE SHALL GIVE 200% AGAINST EGYPT ON SATURDAY’
We have not been here for 39 years. In the first half, we had what I call stage fright.
We committed a mistake that I cannot explain and Andrew Ayew scored from the penalty.
At halftime, we needed to awaken the players so that they believe we can play in tournaments like this.
We made a risk at the latter stages playing 3-2-5 but it didn’t work. I am very proud of my team and will not look for individual mistakes. My team has shown that we have the technical and physical ability but we still have to work more.
We will play against giants Egypt and Mali and we will make sure to give 200% of our efforts.
Micho at the post match press conference with Ghana coach Avram Grany
We came with a mission to prove that we did not qualify by accident, and I believe we showed that.
We showed that we can play even for more than 90 minutes.
But sometimes there are some naive mistakes may be because of the pressure of being a goal down.
I have learnt that at this level of competition we cannot make silly mistakes like what we have done and we will not do that against Egypt and Mali.
We have done everything to get a good result and this has been a great lesson for my players.
We showed that we are capable playing against the best in Africa.
I congratulate Ghana who are always a top team in Africa. We will have two key players Murshid Juuko and Khalid Aucho back from suspension and I believe we shall get better against Egypt.
Uganda Cranes fell down 1-0 to Ghana Black Stars during the group D opener at Port Gentil stadium.
Andre Ayew slotted home the lone strike of the day, a penalty in the 31st minute after a professional foul on Harrison Afful by defender Isaac Isinde.
Isinde also received a booking for the foul.
Isaac Isinde and Michael Azira combine forces to stop Jordan AyewChristian Atsu of Ghana being closed down by Joseph Ochaya
The Cranes created a couple of changes through Faruku Miya, who shot at the base of the post after a played through ball by William Luwagga Kizito.
Team skipper Geofrey Massa, Miya and Mawejjje all had attempts narrowly missed.
Wiliam Luwagga Kizito dribbles during the match
Uganda played Gallantly but lost the battle upon return to the Africa Cup of Nations championship after a 39 year absence.
The next game for Uganda will be on Saturday, 21st January 2017 against Egypt. On the same day, Ghana will return to action against Mali. Both matches will be played at Port Gentil Stadium.
Goalkeeper Denis Onyango had a great day at office despite conceding a penalty
Team line ups:
Ghana XI: Braimah Razak (G.K), Abdul Rahman Baba, Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, John Boye, Mubarak Wakaso, Thomas Teye Partey, Jordan Pierre Ayew, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Asamoah Gyan (Captain)
Changes:
37′ Frank Opoku Acheampong replaced Abdul Rahman Baba
71′ Asamoah Gyan with Emmanuel Badu Agyeman replaced Asmoah Gyan
83′ Afriye Acquah replaced Andre Ayew
Subs Not Used:
Richard Ofori (G.K), Abdual Fatawu Dauda (G.K), Andrew Kyere Yiadom, Jonathan Mensah, Ebenezar Assifuah, Bernard Tekpetey, Edwin Gyimah, Samuel Tetteh
Head coach: Abraham Grant (Israel)
Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwaga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa (Captain)
Changes:
45′ Moses Oloya replaces Michael Azira
59′ Muhammed Shaban replaced William Luwagga Kizito
69′ Geofrey Sserunkuma replaced Isaac Isinde
Subs Not Used:
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Yunus Junior Sentamu, Nico Wadada Wakiro, Godfrey Walusimbi, Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Timothy Dennis Awany, Shafiq Batambuze
Uganda Cranes team to face Ghana Black Stars has been named by the technical team.
The match starts at 7 p.m Ugandan time and will be live on 102.1 FUFA f.m as well as all the FUFA official media plat forms (website, facebook and twitter handles).
The team is focused and set to face Ghana at the Port Gentil Stadiu facility.
UGANDA CRANES XI: Dennis Onyango (GK), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje,Geofrey Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geofrey Massa
FUFA is mourning the loss of Ms Ruth Mutunga the mother of Executive Member Mr. Sam Lwere who died from Nsambya Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
‘We have received the sad news of the loss of Madam Ruth Mutunga. These are tough times for the family of our Executive member’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
‘The news comes on the day Uganda Cranes will play Ghana in the opening match of the AFCON 2017 in Gabon. It is unfortunate that our beloved mother will not be able to watch the Cranes in action back to the AFCON after 39 years’ added FUFA President.
