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Uganda Cranes suffered an early exit at the 2022 African Nations Championship after falling to Ivory Coast on Sunday.

In the crunch tie played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, Uganda needed just a draw to secure a slot into the knockout stage for the first time.

However, Ivory Coast who needed victory on the day claimed a 3-1 win to progress.

Coach Milutin Sredojevic made one change from the team that had started against Senegal with Abdu Karim Watambala starting ahead of Marvin Youngman.

Sankara Karamoko and Vignon Ouotro fired Ivory Coast into the lead and the West African side were two goals ahead after 27 minutes.

However, Uganda kept believing and Rogers Mato won a penalty in the 33rd minute which Moses Waiswa to keep the hopes alive.

In the second half, Uganda came all out and had several attempts at goal including Travis Mutyaba’s free kick that hit the upright.

In a bid to throw more numbers upfront the coach also brought on Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Ibrahim Orit and Nelson Ssenkatuka but all in vain.

Aubin Kouame notched a third Ivorian goal twelve minutes from time to put the game beyond reach.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi(GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Abdu Karim Watambala, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato

CHAN 2022
Group B
Uganda vs Ivory Coast
Nelson Mandela Stadium
Sunday, 22nd January 2022
Kickoff: 10PM (EAT)

Uganda is on the brink of making history at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Cranes have a chance to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time.

What stands between failure and glory is Ivory Coast, the team they face on Sunday at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

Uganda Cranes go into the final group game oozing with confidence having secured victory over Senegal on Wednesday to go top of Group B with 4 points.

However, coach Milutin Sredojevic believes the story is not complete until the final whistle on Sunday.

“Whatever we have done in the last two games could turn out meaningless if we do not get a good result against Ivory Coast. Therefore, we go into this game with full commitment and hoping to get a result good enough to send us through,” he said.

Midfielder Moses Waiswa indicates their sight is set at finishing top of the Group.

“Ending as Group Leaders will be important in determining who we face at the quarterfinal stage. And that makes the game against Ivory Coast important. We go into Sunday’s game focused on securing all three points and maintaining our status as Group leaders.” He said.

Uganda is seeking to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in six attempts.

Uganda Cranes contingent on Friday shifted from the Algerian sea town of Annaba to the capital, Algiers ahead of the final group game against Ivory Coast on Sunday (10PM EAT).

The Cranes who top group B on 4 points have been in the Northeastern part of Algeria since Wednesday last week.

The team goes into Sunday’s game at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium in buoyant mood having picked three points off Senegal two days ago.

The 1-0 victory over Senegal is only Uganda’s second at the biennial Championship, the first coming at the 2014 edition against Burkina Faso (2-1) in South Africa.

In Algiers, the team was welcomed by H.E Alintuma Nsambu, the Ambassador of Uganda to Algeria and the Maghreb region.

He has been a staunch supporter of the team ever since it set foot in Algeria watching the two games against Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal.

From the airport, the team checked in at Golden Tulip Royaume Hotel where they will pitch camp.

Uganda needs to avoid defeat on Sunday to guarantee their place in the quarterfinals but victory will ensure the top spot in Group B is secured.

Uganda Cranes CHAN squad

Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)

Defenders
Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penz (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)

Midfielders
Marvin Joseph Youngman (Vipers SC), Abdu Karim Watambala(Vipers SC), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC)

Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Rogers Mato (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants), Frank Ssebufu (Wakiso Giants FC), Nelson Senkatuka(Soltilo Bright Stars FC)

Officials
Leader of Delegation – Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe

Head Coach – Milutin Sredojevic

Assistant Coach – Moses Basena

Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba

Fitness Trainer – Arthur Kyesimira

Team Doctor – Emmanuel Nakabago

Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana

Team Manager – Geoffrey Massa

National Teams’ Officer – Paul Mukatabala

Equipment Managers – Samuel Mulondo and Ayub Balyejjusa

Team Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein

FUFA Media – Joel Muyita

FUFA Tv – Patrick Lugemwa

FUFA Staff – Richard Ssemanda Nandigobe

Video Analyst – Behilil Elhadj Moussa

The telecom company was announced as the main sponsor of the national team during a watch party at the Serena Hotel for the Uganda Cranes CHAN 2022 match against Senegal in Algeria.

The event was attended by the FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge, 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, MTN CMO Somdev Sen, and Chairman of the FUFA Marketing and Communications Committee Rogers Byamukama, among others.

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“I am excited on behalf of MTN Uganda to officially announce that we are bringing back the game to Ugandans, who are the most passionate fans of our football. Let’s go Uganda Cranes” — MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge

MTN CEO @sylmulinge announces the return of @mtnug, flanked by FUFA President Hon @MosesMagogo, @mtnugCMO Somdev Sen, and Chairman of the FUFA Marketing and Communications Committee @rogersbyamukama. #UGCranesWeGo | #MTNUgFootball pic.twitter.com/hpONwjHdJC

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) January 18, 2023

“The money shall be used to support activities of 7 properties of FUFA, namely: the Uganda Cranes (National men’s team), the Crested Cranes (National women’s team), The FUFA Drum, The FUFA Juniors League, The FUFA Super 8, the FUFA Super Cup, and the FUFA Awards.” — MTN CEO Mulinge added.

I officially welcome back @mtnug to @OfficialFUFA and @UgandaCranes.

1m USD per year for the next 5 years.

We had the vibe without results
We got results without the vibe
We gonna mix the vibe and the results@sylmulinge @UPL @fufatv1 @DailyMonitor @NCSUganda1 pic.twitter.com/W4aRSAbzS9

— Moses Hassim Magogo (@MosesMagogo) January 19, 2023

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Pictorial

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Uganda Cranes put up a resilient performance to overcome Senegal at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.

In the game played on Wednesday at the 19th May 1956 Stadium, Annaba, Uganda stunned the Lions of Terranga to win 1-0.

Skipper Milton Karisa scored the lone goal of the game to guide the Cranes to victory.

This is only Uganda’s second victory at the biennial Championship and the first since 2014 when the Cranes defeated Burkina Faso 2-1.

The players had to wither heavy rains and extremely cold conditions of the day to produce the much needed win.

Senegal posed threats in the opening stages of the game but Uganda was resolute and the team worked together to deny the West Africans.

A miscommunication between defender Geoffrey Wasswa and goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi nearly gifted Senegal the lead with the latter holding a back pass but the indirect free kick awarded was dealt with.

Moments later, Senegal were awarded a penalty but Alionzi saved Cheikh Sidibe’s effort from the spot.

On the other hand, Uganda’s first realistic attempt in the 33rd minute resulted into goal.

Moses Waiswa’s corner kick delivery was cleared into Kenneth Ssemakula’s path and his cross from the left met Karisa who connected home thanks to a deflection from a Senegalese defender.

At the start of the second half, coach Micho called for the first change bringing on Karim Watambala for Marvin Youngman.

He also introduced Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Hillary Mukundane and Travis Mutyaba as the game went on.

In the 51st minute, Karisa thought he had won a penalty for Uganda but the referee overturned his decision after checking with VAR.

Senegal were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute with Libasse Ngom who had just come on sent off after a nasty tackle on Watambala.

The Cranes held on to pick maximum points and go top of Group B on 4 points.

Semakula was named man of the match for his great performance in the midfield.

Uganda will return to action on Sunday against Ivory Coast at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI

Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Penzi Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Geofrey Wasswa, Gift Fred, Marvin Youngman, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato

Substitutes
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Jack Komakech(GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hillary Mukundane, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Ibrahim Orit

African Nations Championship 2022
Group B
Matchday Two
Senegal vs Uganda
Wednesday, 18th January 2023
19th May 1956 Stadium

Uganda Cranes will be seeking to garner maximum points off Senegal as the two teams face off on Wednesday in Annaba, Algeria.

Coach Milutin Sredojevic and his charges are aware of what is at stake in the game and will hope to keep Uganda’s hopes of progressing beyond the group stage by earning victory.

Whereas Uganda settled for a point against Democratic Republic of Congo in the first game, Senegal on the other picked maximum points off Ivory Coast.

The gaffer believes this is the chance for Uganda to go and do better than the first game.

“We have deeply analysed the game against DR Congo and want to improve. We are fully aware of the challenge of entering the den of the Lions of Senegal,” Sredojevic stated in the pre match press briefing before adding, “We are excited over this game and we respect our opponents but in a game of football it is unpredictable. We will make the most of our moments and expose their sources of vulnerability. Our ultimate target is to get performance and results.We have been working with sleepless nights to have details about the Senegal game. It is a human game and a perfect team doesn’t exist.”

Assistant Captain Nafian Alionzi also shares similar sentiments and indicates this is a perfect opportunity to write history.

“Our target is to do better than the previous editions and that means qualifying to the knockout stage. We know the opponents we shall be facing but the determination within us will get the team over the line.” He indicated.

Uganda Cranes will end the Group business with a game against Ivory Coast in Algiers on Sunday.

Uganda is playing at the finals of African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the sixth successive time. Prior to this year’s tournament, the Cranes have also featured in the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions.

In this article, FUFA Communications Department brings you closer to the team to know peculiar details, statistics, facts and figures about Uganda Cranes contingent in Algeria.

Enjoy as you read below

10 FUFA Juniors League graduates in the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad 2022

Development is a slow process that starts with dreams and end up with ideas for execution. The FUFA Juniors League (FJL) started in 2015 with a competition for players under the age of 17, then progressed to U18 and finally with the U19 as the highest age category for the youth Competition.

The FJL has since moved to all the FUFA regions bringing together over 96 Junior teams for a National Youth football League Competition right from the regions.

The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria for the TotalEnergies CHAN Squad has ten (10) graduates of the FUFA Juniors League. The players are;

Jack Komakech (URA FC JT U-19)

Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC JT U17)

Geofrey Wasswa (Vipers Sc U17)

Travis Mutyaba (Vipers SC JT U17, U18)

Ashraf Mandela (Vipers SC JT U17)

James Begisa Penz (KCCA FC SA U17)

Moses Aliro (KCCA FC SA U17)

Titus Ssematimba (Masavu FC JT U18)

Kenneth Semakula- (Kirinya Jinja SSS JT U19)

Rogers Mato Kassim (Lweza Orange Brigade U17, Proline FC JT U18, Maroons FC JT U19)

The 3 Ws in the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad

Talk of being unique. The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria for the TotalEnergies CHAN Finals has something to do with player’s names. Three players out of the 23-man squad have letter ‘W’ for their names and they proudly tease their teammates with pride about this.

The players are; Watambala Abu Karim, Waiswa Moses and Wasswa Geoffrey. Two of them are midfielders while Wasswa plies in central defence.

8 Uganda Cranes Goldies in CHAN Squad

The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria has seven (8) players who have featured before at the CHAN Finals. The experience stretches from the 2018 Finals in Morocco through the 2020 Finals hosted by Cameroon in 2021. Milton Karisa (2018, 2020 and 2022) is the most experienced of the players as he is appearing at his third CHAN Finals. The full list has;

Milton Karisa (2018, 2020, 2022)

Moses Waiswa (2018, 2022)

Nelson Senkatuka (2018, 2022)

Bright Anukani (2020, 2022)

Abu Karim Watambala (2020, 2022)

Joel Mutakubwa (2020, 2022)

Nafian Alionzi (2020, 2022)

Ibrahim Orit (2020,2022)

The Youngest player

Travis Mutyaba features for Sc Villa in the Uganda Premier League. He has featured for the Uganda National teams at all levels (U15, U17 and U20 and now the Uganda Cranes). He will be playing at the TotalEnergies CHAN Finals for the first time.

He is just 17 years and 4 months old but his trophy gallery keeps growing each passing day. He now has the chance to add on to that collection with bravery and commitment at the CHAN Finals in Algeria when head coach Milutin Sredojevic calls on his services.

Mutyaba will also join the Uganda U-20 National team after the CHAN Finals as the team prepares for the AFCON Finals in Egypt due next month.

Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba is ‘Mr. CHAN’  

Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will lead an experienced team that has been tested at this level from the past editions.  Micho who has handled both Zambia (2020) and Uganda (2014, 2016, 2022) at CHAN Finals will be making his 4^th appearance.

However, goalkeeping trainer Fred Kajoba (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022) is the most experienced of all the technical members at this level. He deserves the title of ‘Mr. CHAN’.

The other members of the technical team are; assistant coach Moses Basena (2011, 2016 and 2022) Physiotherapist Dr. Ivan Ssewanya (2016, 2018 and 2022) and Physician Dr. Emmanuel Nakabago (2020 and 2022).

#TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 

TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022

Group B
Democratic Republic of Congo 0-0 Uganda

Uganda Cranes opened their journey at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a goalless draw against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday.

In the game played at 19th May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, either side made attempts but could not get the breakthrough.

Uganda started on the front foot with skipper Milton Karisa troubling the Congolese on the right wing.

Moses Waiswa and Abdu Karim Watambala also enjoyed big chunks of possession.

Karisa thought he had fired Uganda into the lead midway through the first half but his strike was cancelled with the referee calling for a foul in the process.

Waiswa too got close to opening the scores but his effort from a free kick went a few inches off target.

In the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic made changes bringing on Titus Ssematimba and Ibrahim Orit for Watambala and Rogers Mato respectively.

There were further changes with Travis Mutyaba, Nelson Senkatuka and Kenneth Semakula all coming on for Karisa, Frank Ssebufu and Waiswa in that order.

Defender Gift Fred nearly won the game for Uganda with seven minutes to play when Geofrey Wasswa’s delivery from a free kick found him unmarked in the area but his headed effort ricocheted off the post.

Uganda will return to action on Wednesday next week, facing Senegal.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Marvin Youngman, Abdu Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa (C)

Substitutes
Jack Komakech (GK), Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Kenneth Semakula, Hillary Mukundane, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Nelson Senkatuka, Ibrahim Orit, Moses Aliro

TotalEnergies African Nations Championship 2022- Algeria

Group B
Democratic Republic of Congo vs Uganda
Stade 19th May 1956
Saturday, 14th January 2023
Kickoff: 7PM (EAT)

Uganda Cranes will hope to begin their expedition at this year’s African Nations CHAN (CHAN) on a brilliant note as they face Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday.

The Group B encounter at Stade 19th May 1956 in Annaba presents an opportunity for the current players to write history.

With Uganda making her sixth appearance at the finals, coach Milutin Sredojevic is aware of what is at stake and hopes his charges can deliver a good result by the end of the day.

“After three weeks of preparations, it is now time to deliver and do better than before. The players are in the right shape and we hope victory will come our way on Saturday.” He stated.

The gaffer also highlighted the importance of winning the first game in the Group, indicating it eases on pressure.

“Every game in the Group in crucial but to win the first game is important. It helps boost confidence going into the next games.”

Skipper Milton Karisa is oozing with confidence and optimistic the team will deliver come Saturday.

“We are ready both mentally and physically. Everyone on the team is pushing towards making ourselves and the country proud. The ultimate target is to go beyond the group stages, a thing we have not done in the past.” He said.

Uganda is in the same group with Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.