Uganda Cranes suffered defeat at the hands of Tanzania as the two teams faced off on Friday.
In the game played at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, the Taifa Stars got a 1-0 win.
Simon Msuva scored the lone goal of the game, coming midway through the second half.
Despite efforts from Uganda, Tanzania were able to defend and take all three points.
The coach made three changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi and Richard Basangwa with Siraje Ssentamu, Fahad Bayo and Faruku all paving way.
There were further changes with Allan Okello and Rogers Mato replacing Emmanuel Okwi and Sserwadda who got injured.
The two teams will face off again on Tuesday next week at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes go into Friday’s encounter against neighbours Tanzania oozing with confidence.
Since the team pitched camp in Ismailia, Egypt, the camp in the mood has been lively and everyone is geared towards the crucial encounter.
The Cranes are well aware that the double header against Taifa Stars of Tanzania provide chance to get the qualification campaign back to the rails.
Having picked a point in the first two games, positive results off Tanzania will offer a good chance of returning to the coveted continental showpiece.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic is aware of what is at stake and indicates his charges are ready.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic in training.
“We have done so much behind the scenes for close to nine months to make sure we get good results against Tanzania,” he started before adding,
“I believe that we are mentally ready, physically fit, technically effective and tactically aware. Playing in a derby means you must be at your best because such games are determined by small margins.”
Captain Emmanuel Okwi is equally braced for the challenge ahead and he is full of confidence that together with his teammates will make the country proud.
“First of all I have to thank God because the preparations have gone on really well. As a captain I’m impressed with the players, the efforts they are putting on to get ready for this game. The players are really ready for tomorrow’s game in order to get the required results so that we give Ugandans the joy that they deserve.” He said.
After Friday’s game, Tanzania and Uganda will face off again four days later at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
It is full house for Uganda Cranes in Egypt as the team prepares to face Tanzania in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The last player to join the camp at Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, Egypt is assistant captain Khalid Aucho.
The defensive midfielder who plies his trade at Young Africans in Tanzania arrived in Egypt on Wednesday morning and was received by National Teams’ Officer Paul Mukatabala.
Aucho’s arrival means 26 of the 27 players who were summoned are now in camp with the exception of Sadat Happy Anaku who was ruled out due to injury.
Upon arrival, Aucho indicated he is ready to offer full commitment and work with the rest of the players to deliver success.
“I’m happy to find everyone in camp geared towards the forthcoming games against Tanzania. Definitely derbies are never easy but we all know our target and ready to offer everything in our means as players.” He said.
Uganda will play Tanzania on Friday, 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium before the two teams face off again four days later in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes Squad in Egypt
Goalkeepers Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Lukwago charles (St. George, Ethiopia), Magoola Salim Omar (GK) (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
Soltilo Bright Stars FC vs KCCA FC – Kavumba Recreation Ground
Adjumani Town Council FC vs Express FC – Paridi Stadium
Vipers SC vs Calvary FC – St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Quarterfinal Snippets
Shall comprise of 8 teams qualified from the third round.
If teams are still tying by goals at the end of the match, extra time of 30 minutes shall be played.
If the teams are not separated after extra time, spot kicks shall be applied to determine the winner.
Games will be played between 10th -15th April 2023
The draws for the quarterfinal stage of this year’s Stanbic Uganda Cup have successfully been conducted on Wednesday at FUFA House, Mengo.
The event was graced by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and FUFA Competition Director Aisha Nalule with former footballer Moses Matovu drawing the lots.
In the draws, Stanbic Uganda Cup holders BUL FC will face Police FC at Kavumba Recreation Ground. The former ejected Onduparaka FC at the round of 16 while the Cops got better of Ndejje University at the same stage.
Soltilo Bright Stars FC will face KCCA FC in a repeat of last season’s round of 32 tie that was won by the former.
Vipers SC will be at home to Calvary FC while Express FC will make a long trip to Paridi Stadium to take on Adjumani Town Council FC.
FUFA CEO Watson congratulated every team that has reached the quarterfinal stage and indicated every team stands a chance to win the coveted title.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
“I would like to congratulate the eight teams that have reached this level. Knockout competitions are never easy and at the moment, each of the clubs stands a chance to go ahead and win the trophy,” he said before adding,
“The Stanbic Uganda Cup is a prestigious competition that has legacy. It has created several stars and Champions.”
Matovu who is also a legendary musician reminisced about his playing days in the 60s and urged the current crop of players to always give full commitment.
Moses Matovu speaking at the quarterfinal draw function.
“I’m honoured to be invited here for the Quarterfinal draws of the Stanbic Uganda Cup. I started playing football at school at the age of 15 in the 1960s and the game has stuck with me since then. It is therefore important for the current players to offer their best while still active.” He said.
The veteran artiste attached to Afrigo Band played for Nakivubo Boys (now SC Villa), Express FC, Lint Marketing Board FC and Police FC among others.
FUFA Competitions Director, Nalule confirmed that the quarterfinal fixtures will be played on a one-leg basis and extra time will apply in case of a draw at the end of normal time.
FUFA Competitions Director Aisha Nalule.
The games will be played between 10th -15th April 2023.
Four foreign based players have joined Uganda Cranes camp in Ismailia, Egypt.
Captain Emmanuel Okwi, Farouk Miya, Steven Sserwadda and Isma Mugulusi are the latest players to join the team.
Greece based midfielder Isma Mugulusi.
The quartet arrived in Cairo,Egypt on Tuesday morning and straight away joined the rest of the team at their base (Mecure Hotel) in Ismailia.
Upon arrival, Okwi indicated he is happy to join the team and hoping for good results against Tanzania.
Uganda Cranes captain Emmanuel Okwi
“I’m happy to join the team here in Ismailia and delighted to find that the camp is in good mood as we prepare to face Tanzania,” he started before adding.
“Definitely the target is to get positive results off Tanzania in order to achieve our target of qualifying for AFCON. The players, coaches and everyone is committed towards this.” Okwi added.
They join other foreign based players like Joseph Ochaya, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Fahad Bayo, Jamal Omar Magoola, Gavin Kizito, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Richard Basangwa, Steven Mukwala and Timothy Awany who are already in camp.
Midfielder Aucho Khalid will join the camp on Wednesday Morning. However, Scotland based forward Sadat Happy Anaku will not be available for selection in both encounters against Tanzania due to an injury as communicated by his club, Dundee United.
The team will have a build up match against Ismaily SC at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Tuesday evening (5:00PM EAT).
Uganda will play Tanzania on Friday 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium before the two teams face off again four days later at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Lukwago Charles (St. George, Ethiopia), Magoola Salim Omar (GK) (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
Ndejje University FC lost 2-0 to Police FC in a match that was held at Kavumba Recreational Ground this evening. Goals from Dennis Kalanzi and Herman Wasswa during the second half secured qualification for the cops.
Police FC join the two FUFA Big League teams that have qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the 49th Edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
St. Noa Girls SS defied odds to reach the quarterfinals of this year’s FUFA Women’s Cup.
The non-league entity stunned FUFA Women Super League side and 2019 FUFA Women’s Cup finalists Lady Doves on Saturday at African Bible University.
Under the stewardship of former Uganda Cranes defender Jimmy Mukubya, St. Noa remain the only team outside the top three divisions in the competition.
Sylvia Kabene and Miriam Ayo scored a brace each to guide St. Noa to victory in a seven-goal thriller.
Norah Alupo (brace) and Olivia Babirye scored for the Masindi based side in a losing effort.
St. Noa will therefore face Asubo Gafford Ladies in the quarterfinals. The latter dumped out GYCO Girls thanks to a 3-0 win in Gulu City.
Madinah Nakaayi, Irene Nakalyowa and Zaitun Namaganda all got onto the score sheet for Asubo Gafford Ladies.
Holders Makerere University made light work of Isra Soccer Academy to make the quarterfinal cut.
Husna Mpanja, Rebecca Nakasaato and Daphine Nalubowa scored a goal each for the University team.
The win at this stage sets up a quarterfinal clash with Uganda Martyrs who ejected Fort Portal’s She Geme on Sunday.
Latifah Nakasi and Rebecca Nandhego were on target for Uganda Martyrs in the 2-0 victory.
Elsewhere, Olila High School emerged winners over She Corporate. Normal time ended in a goalless draw but the Soroti based side won the tense penalty shootout 4-3.
Olila who won the inaugural edition in 2017 will therefore face She Maroons who equally advanced past Rines SS on penalties (5-4) after normal time had ended in a two-all draw.
Kampala Queens were the biggest winners at the round of 16 stage, obliterating Tooro Queens 6-2 on Saturday.
Sophia Nakiyingi and Hasifah Nassuna struck a brace apiece. Joan Nabirye too got onto the score sheet before an own goal by Tooro Queens captain Cissy Kabarwani.
The consolation goals for Tooro Queens came from Sharon Kanyiginya and Everyln Katusiime.
Kampala Queens who are seeking to win a domestic double will have Kawempe Muslim as their next hurdle in the Cup competition.
Kawempe Muslim needed a brace from second half substitute Allen Nassazi to stage a comeback over UCU Lady Cardinals.
The 2018 winners had gotten into the lead in the 17th minute through former Kawempe forward Sharon Naddunga.
UCU Lady Cardinals goalkeeper Hadijah Nalongo saved two penalties in the second half but Nassazi would eventually beat her to send Kawempe through.
Quarterfinal Fixtures
St. Noa Girls SS vs Asubo Gafford Ladies FC
She Maroons FC vs Olila High School WFC
Kampala Queens FC vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Makerere University WFC vs Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
Adjumani TC FC and Calvary FC have joined the have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after eliminating Bunyaruguru United FC and Kitara FC respectively.
The Calvary-Kitara match was decided by spot kicks after it ended 1-1 after normal playing time. The home side won 8-7. To proceed to the Round of 16, Calvary FC eliminated Budondo United FC in the Round of 64 and JLOS FC in the Round of 32.
Bunyaruguru United FC lost to Adjumani TC FC as the host team won 4-3 after penalties were taken. Adjumani TC FC eliminated Simba FC in the Round of 64 and Elite FC during the Round of 32.
Uganda Cranes contingent has today morning departed for Egypt ahead of the forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The team will face neighbours Tanzania in a double header with Uganda hosting the first leg on 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium. The return leg will come four days later at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The contingent that left on Sunday morning was headed by the Leader of Delegation Rogers Byamukama who is a FUFA Executive Committee member.
Besides goalkeeper Charles Lukwago and defender Halid Lwaliwa, the rest of the players are local based.
It should be noted that the foreign based legion will join camp in Egypt from their respective clubs.
The team will stay in Egyptian capital Cairo for two days before relocating to Ismailia.
Uganda has one point from the opening two games in Group F and will be hoping to brighten the chances of qualifying to the biennial continental football extravaganza with positive results from this international window.
Two first-half goals from the home team saw them emerge victorious at Christ School Bundibugyo as the Uganda Cranes visited the town.
Kitara Select Starting XI
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Ivan Onenchan scored the first goal in the 25th minute and Norman Namanya netted the second goal five minutes before the half-time whistle was blown.
Kitara Select warm-up
Uganda Cranes warm-up
At the start of the second half, the entire Uganda Cranes team that started the match was substituted but the various shots at goal did not yield fruit.
The Cranes now embark on preparations for 2023 AFCON qualifier match against Tanzania in Egypt. The selected local based players will travel this Sunday to Cairo. They will be joined by foreign based players.
The current table leaders of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, KCCA FC, saw off Mbarara City FC in a Round of 16 match that was held at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Goals from Rogers Mato and Simon Kankonde in both halves saw the home side march on to the next stage despite an effort from the visiting side through Henry Kitegenyi. The host team won 2-1.
To reach the Round of 16, KCCA FC eliminated Kampala Junior Team in the Round of 64 and Kataka FC in the Round of 32 while Mbarara City FC eliminated SC Tawai in the Round of 64 and Admin FC in the Round of 32.
KCCA FC joins four StarTimes Uganda Premier League sides who have already qualified for the Quarter-Finals.
The Uganda Cranes team arrived at Fort Portal on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 PM and camped at Nyaika Hotel.
At 4:00 PM, the team had their last training session at Fort Portal Police Training round.
The Regional Police Commander for Rwenzori West, Norman Musinga, was in attendance at the Fort Portal Police training ground during the training session.
The team is set to play against Kitara Select Team on Friday, 17th March 2023 at Christ School, Bundibugyo.
Onduparaka FC has been eliminated from the domestic cup after suffering a 1-0 loss at the hands of BUL FC from the Green Light Stadium, Arua. BUL FC’s Martin Aprem scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute to hand the visitors a spot in the quarter-finals.
At the Muteesa II Stadium, West Nile Regional side Paidha Black Angels SC suffered a 4-0 loss to Express FC as they faced off. Faisal Ssekyanzi opened up the score in the 9th minute and Boban Ziruntuusa scored a brace to give the red eagles the advantage at the break. In the second half, Anwar Ntege scored the only goal for the home side to seal a spot in the quarter-finals.
Day one of the round of 16 saw last editions runner-up, Vipers SC, and fellow StarTimes Uganda Premier League side Soltilo Bright Stars FC qualify for the quarter finals.
Soltilo Bright Stars FC scored four goals past Buganda Regional League side Kiyinda Boys FC at Kavumba Recreational Ground. Ibrahim Kasinde scored a brace while Emmanuel Loki and Nelson Senkatuka scored the other two goals.
At the Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Shariph Kimbowa scored the first goal five minutes after the start of the second half but Ashraf Mandela equalised for the visitors in the last fifteen minutes. The visitors, Vipers SC, went ahead to eliminate Wakiso Giants FC 3-4 after penalties were taken.
Last editions runner-up Vipers SC pay a visit to Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium today as they are hosted by Wakiso Giants FC.
The home side eliminated Fort Portal Boda Boda FC in the round of 64 in a matah that ended 1-3 and went ahead to eliminate Blacks Power FC after spot kicks during the round of 32. The visitors on the other hand eliminated Bujumbura United FC and Jinja North United FC in the round of 64 and round of 32 respectively; winning both matches after spot kicks.
Also happening today, Soltilo Bright Starts FC hosts Kiyinda Boys FC at Kavumba Recreational Ground.
Kiyinda Boys, a team from the Buganda Regional League, saw off Gaddafi FC and Kigezi HomeBoyz during the round of 64 and round of 32 respectively. Soltilo Bright Stars elimiated non-league side Nakapelimen FC in the round of 64 and Mbale Heroes FC in the round of 32.
Tuesday, 14th March 2023 — 4:00 PM
Wakiso Giants FC v Vipers SC, Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium (FUFA Tv)
Soltilo Bright Stars FC v Kiyinda Boys FC, Kavumba Recreational Ground
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho has named a squad of 23 players that will feature in the regional tour game slated for this weekend.
The team will face Kitara region select team on Friday, 17th March 2023 in Bundibudyo.
This will be first Uganda Cranes regional tour game in the region since 2019 when the national team played in Hoima.
The game played at Booma Ground in Hoima on Saturday 20th July 2019 saw Kitara region win 1-0 thanks to Vincent Kasoki’s goal.
Action between Uganda Cranes and Kitara region at Booma Ground, Hoima in 2019
The players will enter camp on Wednesday at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi before conducting training later in the day.
On Thursday, the team will travel to Bundibugyo prior to Friday’s game.
From the summoned squad, the coach will select players that will travel to Cairo, Egypt on Sunday ahead of the 2023 AFCON Qualifier double header against Tanzania.
It should be noted that the team which will play the regional tour game excludes players from Vipers SC who will have a CAF Champions League game against Horoya on Saturday.
The local based players who will make the final cut to travel to Egypt will be joined by the foreign based legion from their respective clubs.
Uganda Cranes provisional squad that was summoned last week.
Uganda will host Tanzania at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on 24th March before the two teams facing off four days later in Dar es Salaam.
Football, like any other sport, has seen a drastic change in its development over the years. Today, one can safely say that football is dictated by the direction of money, with players and coaches seeking lucrative contracts and media companies forking out millions to secure exclusive rights to broadcast games.
However, the more the game develops, the more challenges it faces some of which are sophisticated in nature. One dark area that continues to tarnish the game’s glossy reputation is the recurring issue of match-fixing.
It is upon this background that FUFA has on Monday launched an anti-match fixing campaign aimed at curbing the vice.
While launching the campaign, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim indicated there is will from the Federation to stop the persisting challenge.
“We are here to launch an anti-match fixing campaign and this is an opportunity for us to read from the same page as FIFA who are at the fore front of this battle. We are aware that the more you promote football, the more you expose it to challenges and equally we must find solutions to them,” he started.
FUFA Presient Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim during the launch of the anti match fixing campaign.
“Football today is facing a problem of match manipulation just like the wider society is faced with challenges like hunger, terrorism and money laundering. Match fixing kills the game because the beauty of football is in uncertainty. If you kill this element and results are predetermined then the game will not survive.”
The President also stated it is the Federation’s duty to fight match fixing and certain measures have been put in place.
FUFA Presient Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
“Whereas the players and match officials are the easiest targets, as FUFA we are coming up with measures that will desist anyone involved in the game from match fixing. A phone number (0787063409) and email address protect@fufauganda.com have been put in place and whoever has information can report to us.” He said.
The President also revealed that for the next month, FUFA will give amnesty to anyone who has been involved in match fixing and can come out to denounce the vice. The Immunity will be in line with the football regulations.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson highlighted how FUFA will reach out to the general public through sensitization programmes aimed at fighting match fixing.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson speaking at the launch.
“Today’s press conference is just the start of a long-term programme. Going forward, FUFA will embark on media campaigns to educate the masses, print out education material, reach out to clubs and coordinate with other Member Associations to interlink information.” The CEO stated.
Charles Twiine, a member of the FUFA Investigations Chamber called for collective efforts from all the football stakeholders.
FUFA Investigations Chamber member Charles Twiine.
“We are talking of a vice whose effects are unprecedented, cuts across different nations and very sophisticated. This calls for synergy of efforts to come up with robust mechanism.” Twiine indicated.
FUFA Legal Manager, Dennis Lukambi outlined the steps FUFA will make in case of any reports in regard to match fixing.
FUFA Legal Manager Dennis Lukambi.
“FUFA signed an MoU with a data collecting firm called Sportradar to get information from our first and second division for the start. The same company is working with FIFA and this will enable us get intelligence reports.”
“Our collaboration with Sportradar will enable us to make thorough investigations and identify the culprits.”
“FUFA and Sportradar Integrity Services are cooperating towards gathering relevant investigation on actual events. The same company is working with FIFA and this will enable us get intelligence reports.”
The other measures will include, stopping games from taking place if there is sufficient evidence and withdrawing of players or match officials from games if cited in any match fixing scenarios prior.
Kampala Queens edged closer to the 2022/23 FUFA Women Super League title after overcoming Uganda Martyrs Lubaga on Saturday.
A solitary goal by Shamirah Nalugya was the difference as the Queens of Soccer secured a 1-0 win at St. Gerald’s Stadium.
Nalugya was quick to react and head home after Resty Nanziri’s initial effort had hit the crossbar.
To win, Kampala Queens needed the sublime performance of goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro who made a finger tip save to deny Sumaya Nalumu a would-be equalizer.
With five games to go, Kampala Queens need just a point to claim their maiden Championship.
Uganda Martyrs remain second on the table with 22 points, fifteen behind leaders Kampala Queens.
In Mukono, a late Jovia Nakagolo’s goal proved the decisive moment as UCU Lady Cardinals edged past wobbling She Corporate.
Nakagolo who had missed several scoring opportunities in the game eventually came out the heroine, capitalizing on a defence mix up by goalkeeper Gift Nasasira and defenders Stella Musibika and Anita Arinda.
With two minutes left on the clock, Nakagolo capitalized on the indecisiveness of goalkeeper Nasasira to head home and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
The win lifted UCU Lady Cardinals to fourth place on 20 points but piled more misery on hapless She Corporate who are just two points above the drop zone.
Kawempe Muslim continued with their blistering performance since the start of the second round.
Not even a heavy downpour on Sunday morning would stop the Valley Warriors from showing up.
Two second half goals by on form Shakira Nyinagahirwa who has now scored in four successive games and Agnes Nabukenya were enough for Kawempe Muslim to overcome Makerere University.
Elsewhere, Rines picked a point off Last Doves on the road. Sumaya Nsisi scored for the home side while Phiona Arach got the goal for Rines.
Kamiyati Naigaga scored the lone goal as Asubo Gafford Ladies won away to Olila High School a result that saw them move off the base of the table for the first time this season albeit remaining in the relegation zone.
