FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Uganda Cranes players were part of the Friday prayers held in two different mosques-at Ahmadhiya and Wandegeya as the Nation sought divine intervention ahead of the crucial 2017 AFCON qualifier on Sunday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The players Yunus Sentamu, Farouk Miya, Ismail Watenga, Salim Jamal and Idris Lubega had their prayers at Ahmadhiya Mosque. They were joined by the Uganda Cranes bus driver Ahmed Kabali and kits manager Saidi Lugolobi.
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein, former FIFA referee Yusuf Awuye and FUFA staff Meddie Matovu observed their prayers at Wandegeya Mosque.
The day’s sermons were conducted by Sheikh Fauzi Kiiza Kalule at Wandegeya Mosque.’We are happy to receive here. We believe that Allah’s might will guide the team on Sunday against Comoros’ said Sheikh Fauzi.
‘We are overwhelmed by the love and passion of fans shown to us here. The players want to make history come Sunday. Let us give them the support they need.’ said FUFA President.
‘We know the entire country is praying for the team to get the best results. We have prepared the team to the best of our ability and within our means’ added FUFA President who told the congregation that the players have been promised 35M shillings each if they beat Comoros on Sunday.
Farouk Miya who spoke on behalf of the players promised the best on Sunday.
‘We need your support on Sunday. With Allah, everything is possible’ said the soft spoken player who plies his trade in Belgium with Standard Liege.
Miya and the rest of the players got the fans excited as they took photos together.
FUFA President offered 10 Uganda Cranes replica jerseys, Invitation cards to the religious leaders and 50 Ordinary tickets to the fans at Wandegeya Mosque.
Tickets for the Uganda Cranes vs Comoros match go for 25,000/-, 60,000/- and 150,000/-
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has promised each of the Uganda Cranes players and members of the technical bench a cash reward of $ 10,000 if qualification to the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon is sealed this Sunday against Comoros at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
At the same time, all the outstanding arrears owed to players and officials in this current campaign have been settled.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo confirmed the development at a dinner organized for the players and technical committee members held at Serene Suites, Mutundwe on Thursday evening.
‘You have been gallant excellent throughout the campaign. Now, we are remaining with only match. Let us use the teamwork and commitment to ensure qualification. We have settled all the outstanding arrears throughout this campaign and an additional $ 10,000 has been promised to each of the players and members of the technical team if we qualify to Gabon 2017’ Eng. Moses Magogo said in his speech.
The FUFA President in a special way thanked the players for the journey moved so far. He lauded the national team sponsors and other partners, media, Government and everybody whose contribution to the success of the team can never go unnoticed.
Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, General Edward Katumba Wamala was the chief guest.
General Edward Katumba Wamala greets coach Micho as the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo looks on at the dinner
General Katumba thanked the players for effort to reach thus far and encouraged them to attack the opponent without any fear or favour.
Uganda Cranes main sponsors Airtel Uganda, joined by the other partners Nile Special and National Insurance Corporation (NIC) organized this dinner that also corresponded with head coach Milutin Sredejovic’s 46th Birthday.
L-R: FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, Hamid Juma, Coach Micho, Bebe Cool and General Edward Katumba Wamala joined the national team head coach to cut the cake in celebrating his 46th birthday
Former Uganda Cranes legends were well represented by the 1978 cream de-la-cream Jimmy Kirunda, Paul Ssali and Abbey Nasur.
Kirunda wished the team players the best with a special call to die alittle for the country against Comoros.
L-R: Some of the 1978 Uganda Cranes players; Abbey Nasur, Jimmy Kirunda and Paul Ssali sowed seeds of encouragement to the Uganda Cranes players and wished them fruitful deliberations in the match against Comoros this Sunday
The dinner was also attended by renown motivational speaker Allan Katwalo Mulengani who encouraged the players to finish the journey first started with at home with a 2-0 victory over Botswana at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda Cranes’ ambassador Bebe Cool offered words of encouragement and entertained the players and guest as wellMotivational speaker Allan Mulengani Katwalo with an amazing presentation during the Uganda Cranes dinner held at Serene Suits, Mutundwe
Uganda Cranes’ ambassador Bebe Cool too had encouraging words for the players, sponsors, FUFA and members of the technical team.
Bebe Cool, along with another musician Daxx Kartel entertained the guests with lively gigs.
Daxx Kartel entertained the guests and offered the food of the soul to the Uganda Cranes players who laughed heartily at the dinner
Airtel Uganda Brand and Communications manager Remmy Kisakye thanked the players for the effort since match day one and encouraged them to stamp ticket to Gabon 2017 with a great performance on Sunday.
Airtel Uganda Brand and Communications Manager Remmy Kisakye at the dinnerNational Insurance Corporation (NIC) Company Secretary, Elias Edu greets Uganda Cranes goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba at the dinner. NIC catered for the full medical expenses of the coach when he was ill from the Burkina Faso trip in the current AFCON qualification campaign
Uganda Cranes needs three points from the game against Comoros this Sunday to ensure qualification to the African Cup of Nations finals that will be hosted by Gabon in 2017.
Main photo: Uganda Cranes captain with a brief speech during a dinner organized by all the Uganda Cranes sponsors at Serene Suits in Mutundwe. The two other senior players Dennis Onyango and Tonny Mawejje as made brief presentations.
Uganda Cranes Vs Comoros – Sunday, 4th September 2016
At Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (5 p.m)
Charges: 25,000/= (General Wing), 60,000/= (VIP) and 150,000/= (VVIP)
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed the arrival of Comoros national football team.
Chairman FUFA International Match Organizing Committee, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel confirmed the opponents’ arrival programme to the media on Wednesday during the FUFA weekly press conference at Mengo in Kampala.
The first batch of Comoros team comes on Thursday at 1 p.m. The second batch will come on Friday at 1 p.m.
Dr Ogwel assured the football fans of maximum security to ensure smooth transition of all the day’s activities with safety as top priority.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Emirian Kayima
Senior Superintendent of Police, Emirian Kayima also attended the press conference and elaborated that stringent measures have been put in place.
We have planned heavy and enough deployment for the game at Namboole. Right from Electoral Commission, there will be deployment and on the Northern By-pass
Uganda Cranes take on Comoros in a must win situation to book a berth to the African Cup of Nations finals that will be hosted in Gabon in 2017.
MAIN PHOTO: L-R – FUFA Spokesman, Ahmed Hussein, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel and SSP Emirian Kayima at FUFA House in Kampala on Wednesday.
2016 CECAFA Women Championship: 11th – 20th September (All Matches at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru)
GROUP A: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar
GROUP B: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda
The long awaited Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) women football championship returns after over a period of 30 years without being played.
The tournament has been launched at the home of football in Uganda, FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala during a well attended press conference on Monday.
CECAFA Seceretary General, Nicholas Musonye graced the launched together with the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, the tournament Local Organizing Committee chairman Rogers Byamukama and other members of the LOC.
Addressing the media, the FUFA President expressed the gratitude for the federation to host the tournament of CECAFA’s magnitude;
We are excited to hosting the Championship. This is an extended programme to the strategy we took to develop women football in the country and across the region.
This tournament will also give the girls more playing time internationally.
Eng. Magogo officially announced the full members of the Local Organizing Committee.
The seven man committee has Rogers Byamukama, the chairperson.
Others are Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, Agnes Mugena, Chris Kalibala,Samuel Mpiima, Efrance Nanjego and Ahmed Hussein.
2016 CECAFA Women Football Championship, Rogers Byamukama addresses the media during the tournament launch in Kampala on Monday, 29th August 2016. He assured good preparations in terms of preparations (main playing ground, training grounds, secretariat and hotel facilities)
The tournament gets underway on the 11th September 2016 with Burundi taking on Zanzibar at 2 p.m.
Hosts Uganda will play Kenya in the next fixture on match day one.
Byamukama, also a FUFA Executive committee member asserted that there are seven countries that have duly confirmed to take part in the tournament.
CECAFA Secretary General, Musonye appreciated FUFA for taking the bold decision to host the women tournament at a time no other country was willing to take up the opportunity.
I thank Uganda for taking the initiative and being bold enough to bring CECAFA women’s tournament here in Kampala. This is the golden opportunity to revamp women’s football in the CECAFA region.
All the matches will be played at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru with two games running per day.
The last CECAFA women football championship was held in Zanzibar and won by the hosts in 1986.
MAIN PHOTO: L-R FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye and the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee.
International friendly: Uganda Vs Kenya – Tuesday 30thAugust 2016 (4 p.m)
AFCON 2017 Qualifier:Uganda Vs Comoros – Sunday 4th September 2016 (5 p.m)
Charges: 25,000/- (Ordinary), VIP (60,000/- Blue seats) and 150,000/- (VVIP- Orange seats)
*Both Matches at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
The Uganda Cranes held a closed door trial match against the reigning Azam Uganda Premier league champions, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Sunday at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Young striker Muhammed Shaban who plays at Onduparaka football club scored the lone strike on the day.
Head coach, Milutin Sredejevoic used two teams where each featured for a half apiece.
The team resumes training on Monday evening at Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU) Kabojja Girls Campus starting at 5 p.m.
A couple of more players are expected to join the team on Monday.
Godfrey ‘Jajja Walu’ Walusimbi, Yunus Sentamu (FC Ilves in Finnland), Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Erisa Sekisambu (has been on trials in Lebanon), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave), Moses Oloya (Kuban Krasnodor), Tonny Mawejje (Throttur) and Geofrey Baba Kizito (Than Quang) are the players expected ahead of Tuesday’s international build up with Kenya at Namboole.
Team 1:
Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Richard Kassaga, Timothy Awanyi, Isaac Isinde, Savio Kabugo,Bernard Muwanga ,Ibrahim Kiyemba,Muhammad Shaban, AbdulMalick Vitalis Abdul Tabu, Farouk Musisi.
Team 2:
Ismail Watenga (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Halid Lwaliwa, Rashid Toha, Ivan Ntege,Keziron Kizto,Khalid Aucho,Geoffrey Massa,Edrisa Lubega ,Geoffrey Serunkuma.
The Uganda national football team, Uganda Cranes dedicated the Sunday of 28th August 2016 to the Lord Almighty with players and FUFA officials praying for special blessings from the different churches within and around Kampala.
Several Cranes players and officials were part of the Sunday worshipers at St Luke Seeta Church of Uganda and House of Prayer Ministries.
The Seeta delegation was led by FUFA executive member Sam Mpiima and Team Manager Chris Muyinda while the House of Prayer Ministries delegation was led by National Teams’ Coordinator Patrick Ntege .
Prayers at St Luke’s Church of Uganda, Seeta were led by Acheahdecon Innocent Kitto and Pastor Douglas Bujingo led at the House of Prayer Ministries.
Some of the Uganda Cranes players and officials at Seeta Church of Uganda on Sunday
While preaching in Seeta Archdeaconary Innocent Kityo asked all believers and Ugandans to rally behind the National team.
“The team is for all Ugandans not the football governing body. The team belongs to all Ugandans of all sects “Said Archeadecon Kitto.
He later prayed for the team, the football leaders in the country and all Ugandans.
Mr Sam Mpiima, a FUFA Executive Committee member who led the delegation thanked the Archdeacon and the Seeta Archeadeconry in general for the warm reception at the fundraising marathon and the prayer day.
He handed over the Uganda National Team’s shirt to the clergy of the church and asked them to be smart on the match day.
Mpiima upon all Ugandans to be part of history on the 4th of September 2016 at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (5 p.m).
International friendly: Uganda Vs Kenya – Tuesday 30th August 2016 (4 p.m)
AFCON 2017 Qualifier: Uganda Vs Comoros – Sunday 4th September 2016 (5 p.m)
Charges: 25,000/- (Ordinary), VIP (60,000/- Blue seats) and 150,000/- (VVIP- Orange seats)
*Both Matches at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
FUFA would like to clarify to the general public and football fraternity that tickets on market being sold for the 2017 AFCON Qualifier between Uganda Cranes and Comoros due on Sunday 4th September, 2016 will give them access to Namboole stadium come match day.
Some fans who have already secured themselves tickets for the match have raised concerns about details on the much sought after item in this period.
The tickets have a date of 3rd September 2016 indicated on them instead of 4th September 2016 with kick off of 5pm.
However the change of date and time by CAF for the final Group D qualifier could not allow FUFA to take back the tickets as they had already been printed.
FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein told fufa.co.ug that;
‘There is no cause for alarm. Our fans need to be calm. Do not worry about the details on the tickets especially with the date and time indicated on. The match will be played on Sunday 4th September, 2016 at 5pm. Please buy the tickets from the designated areas and come in big numbers to Namboole stadium’
The tickets were distributed to the selling points on Wednesday.
Ticket selling points
FUFA Shop at FUFA House in Mengo
TOTAL: Bwaise, Kajjansi, Kireka, Arua Park, Bweyogerere, Natete, Kibuli, City Centre (Opposite Uganda House), Nakivubo
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) held the weekly press conference on Wednesday, 24th August 2016.
During the well attended event, the national football team head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic named the Uganda Cranes’ team of 32 players who will play against Kenya (international build up) and Comoros (AFCON 2017 qualifier).
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo thanked all the stake holders who have been helpful in assisting the national team’s preparationsFUFA Finance Director, Decolas Kizza addressed the media about the match day tickets. Tickets hit the market on Wednesday, 24th August 2016
The press conference was attended by the FUFA president, Eng. Moses Magogo, Hamid Juma (head of technical at FUFA), FUFA finance director, Decolas Kizza and the FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein.
National teams’ coordinator, Patrick Ntege Kaweesa with 1978 Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Paul Ssali attended the press conference
Uganda Cranes start training on Thursday afternoon with gym sessions at Paradise Fitness Gym located at Acacia Mall in Kampala according to the detailed programme released.
Uganda will play Kenya in the build up on Tuesday, 30th August 2016 in a high profile build up match before taking on Comoros in the AFCON 2017 group D qualifier.
Both matches are at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
FUFA has assured fans that discounted tickets on market being sold at 20,500/- with initial dates of 3rd September, 2016 for the 2017 AFCON qualifier between Ugand and Comoros but now changed to 4th September, 2016 will still be used to access Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
The discounted tickets went on market on 1st August and will be withdrawn on Friday 19th August though had Saturday 3rd September, 2016 as the date and 4pm as kick off time for the crucial fixture.
The new date is now 4th September with kick off set for 5pm at the same stadium.
FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein told fufa.co.ug that;
‘Our fans do not have to worry about the details on the discounted tickets. Apart from the date and time on these tickets, the rest of the details remain unchanged.
The fans who have already bought these tickets don’t have to return them to FUFA.
They will use the same tickets for the Uganda Cranes matches against Kenya and Comoros’ added Hussein
Discounted tickets can be bought from FUFA Sports at Shop at FUFA House in Mengo, Hardware World Ntinda and Delah Attractions Boulevard Building, Kampala Road opposite Post Office.
INTERNATIONAL BUILD UP MATCH: 30TH AUG 2016 – Uganda Cranes Vs Kenya
AFCON GROUP D QUALIFIER: 3RD SEPT 2016 – Uganda Cranes Vs Comoros
Uganda Cranes’ official beverage sponsor Nile Special on Monday launched a fan-rallying campaign, code named “Cranes Na Mutima – Tulumbe” .
This is ahead of the team’s must-win Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros on Saturday, 3 September at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The launch was attended by Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredejovic, FUFA 3rd Vice President Dennis Mbidde as well as two players Dennis Okot Oola and Joseph Ochaya.
“As major sponsors of the Cranes, our duty at this moment is to rally nation-wide support for the Cranes. For quite some time we have rallied the nation to support the Cranes with passion through our Cranes Na Mutima campaign, so this game is the crescendo of it all.” said the NBL Marketing Director Daniel Ogong.
Mbidde commended Nile Special for the continued support throughout the Gabon 2017 AFCON qualification campaign stating that, “The fans have been great throughout the campaign partly due to Nile Special’s unrelenting efforts to rally fans behind the team. They have indeed pushed the Cranes thus far. But there’s one more crucial step to go and we request one more strong push to get the team over the line.”
As part of the Cranes Na Mutima – Tulumbe campaign, Ugandans will be required to demonstrate that they are part of the team by donning their national team jerseys every Friday till game-day. This is what has been termed as “#CranesJerseyFridays”
Several fans that adhere to this call will win match tickets and several Nile Special giveaways in country-wide activations.
The other component of the campaign are the upcountry fan-parks at which the game will be screened live.
Nile Special seeks to duplicate the Namboole atmosphere in three upcountry towns that’s; Mbale-Cricket Grounds, Mbarara-Independence Grounds and Lira-Mayor’s Gardens.
Commenting on the two aspects of the campaign Mr. Ogong stated that, “We understand that not all Ugandans can be at Namboole.
But we are saying there’re several ways one can support without stepping in Namboole, from the comfort of your home, at the office or any other work station by pulling on that jersey.
Regarding the fan-parks, the objective is to ensure that the Namboole-like atmosphere is replicated in other parts of the country. In fact we shall do everything possible to ensure the ambiance at the fan parks beats that at Namboole,” promised Mr. Ogong.
Cranes is currently second in Group D and needs to win the last qualification tie against Comoros Island on 3rd September at Namboole Stadium to secure qualification for the Africa Nations Cup for the first time in 39 years.
FUFA has offered an 18% discount (4500/-) off an ordinary ticket of 25,000/- to the first 2,600 fans who will purchase the ticket for the 2017 AFCON Qualifier match between Uganda Cranes and Comoros due on 3rd September at Mandela National Stadium.
The tickets that are on a limited offer will be available to the fans starting Monday 1st to Wednesday 10th August, 2016 at FUFA House only between 9am and 5pm.
‘The offer will give the fans an opportunity to purchase the tickets early. The same ticket will be used by fans to watch International friendly match between Uganda Cranes and Kenya’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
The discount ticket holders will also use them to watch the international friendly match between Uganda and Kenya at Namboole on 30th August, 2016.
Hussein added;
‘On match day of Uganda vs Kenya, fans will only show their tickets to the personnel at the gate to gain access to the stadium. No part of the ticket will be taken off. The tickets will be given back to the fans immediately after verification for use again on 3rd September’
After 10th August, depending on the availability, tickets will be withdrawn from the market for the release and distribution of other categories of 25,000/-(Ordinary) , 60,000/-(VIP Blue seats) and 150,000/- (VVIP) to the designated selling points.
AFCON 2017 Qualifier (Group D): 3rd September 2016
Uganda Cranes Vs Comoros
At Nelson Mandela National Stadium (4 p.m)
Match Ticket Prices
Ordinary: 25,000/=
VIP (Blue seats): 60,000/=
Gold (VVIP): 150.000/=
The ticket prices for the crucial Uganda Cranes versus Comoroa AFCON 2017 group D qualifiers have been officially released by Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) on Wednesday, 27th July 2016.
The FUFA International Match organizing committee chairman, Dr. Benard Patrick Ogwel released the prices for all the ticket catergories during the weekly press conference at Mengo in Kampala.
‘We have released the match ticket prices early to enable our beloved supporters plan and prepare for the historic match’ Dr. Ogwel, who was flanked by the FUFA Comunications Director, Ahmed Hussein stated during the well attended press conference.
Uganda Cranes versus Comoros AFCON 2017 group D qualifier slated for the 3rd September 2016 at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Ticket Price Catergories:
The gold tickets (VVIP) will cost Ug.shs 150,000, fans in the blue seats (VIP) will pay Ug.shs 60,000 and the general wing (ordinary tickets) will cost Ug.shs 25,000.
‘We encourage as many fans to get their tickets early as soon as they are officially released on sale’ Dr. Ogwel, also the Chairperson of the FUFA Club licensing committee added.
Complimentary match day tickets will be processed for the media and other stake holders including sponsors and other FUFA partners through accreditation process.
Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel Uganda Limited has on Wednesday launched an unprecedented consumer promotion ahead of Comoros fixture that will be played on 3rd September 2016.
The launch took place at the headquarters of Airtel Uganda Limited (at Clement Hill road in Kampala).
Federation CEO, Edgar Watson shares a light moment with FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo
During the launch, a special promotion of the fixture was unveiled to the general public.
FUFA was heavily represented at the launch code named ‘Mujje Tulumbe Recharged’.
The Federation president, Eng. Moses Magogo, Edgar Watson (Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Mbidde (3rd Vice President) and Esther Musoke (FUFA Marketing Manager) attended.
The FUFA President appreciated Airtel Uganda Limited for the support since October 2013.
‘We thank Airtel Uganda Limited for the continued support to the national team since October 2013. At all times, Airtel and the Government have been key in helping us run the national team. Players’ bonuses and allowances were increased thanks to Airtel. We are focused towards qualifying to AFCON. Playing in Gabon 2017 will still be preparing for our prime target of Cameroon 2019.’ he stressed.
Airtel Uganda Head Brand and Communications, Remmie Kisakye noted ‘It has been 39 years since Uganda qualified for the AFCON and come 3rd September, we are very optimistic that it the time to make history and qualify’.
The promotion intends to mobilize all Ugandans to come and show support to the national team
Football fans stand a chance to win 100 tickets, U.shs 1,000,000 daily and a brand new car weekly.
The public has been warned of avoiding conmen that could utilise the promotion. Only one number will call to notify the winners – 0752600200
On behalf of the Uganda Cranes playing staff, midfielder cum defender, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda represented at the event.
Wasswa used the platform to re-affirm the passion, readiness and overwhelming desire to play with a great display to qualify.
The Uganda Cranes team heading to the Eastern Uganda regional tour has been named on Thursday.
This was after the last training session held at Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday morning.
“The regional tours are an obligation to our sponsors. They are very helpful in team geling and taking the national team closer to our fans” Head coach, Milutin Sredojevic said of the tour.
Hassan Wasswa Mawanda has been named the captain of the team with Denis Iguma as his vice captain.
The team leaves Kampala by road on Friday morning and will be expected to conduct the final training session later in the evening.
The Cranes has previously toured the Western, North East, Kitara, North and West Nile regions.
Players traveling to Mbale:
Ismail Watenga (GK), James Alitho (GK), Shafiq Bakaki, Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Nsubuga, Deus Bukenya, Bernard Muwanga, Halid Lwaliwa, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Captain), Gadafi Wahabu, Rashid Toha, Dan Birikwalira, Kezironi Kizito, Yassar Mugerwa, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Martin Kizza, Denis Iguma, Murshid Juuko, Isaac Muleme, Joseph Ochaya and Muhammed Shaban
Uganda Cranes will keep their fingers crossed on who to play during the groups stages of the 2018 FIFA Cup Russia qualifiers.
Uganda is is pot 4 alongside Burkina Faso, Zambia, Gabon and Libya.
The draw will be held in Egypt on Friday 24th June, 2016.
The FIFA world rankings as of 7th June 2016 were considered as per the decision of the Emergency Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The pots are below;
Pot 1: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia
Pot 2: Cape Verde Islands, Egypt, Congo DR, Nigeria, Mali
Pot 3: Cameroon, Morocco, Guinea, South Africa, Congo
Pot 4: Uganda, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Gabon, Libya
The teams in Pot 4 will be drawn first. The team drawn first from Pot 4 will be placed in Group A, and its exact position in the group will be determined by a ball drawn from a second pot that will contain four balls with the position numbers 1-4.
This very same procedure will then be applied for all the pots till groups Pot 2, 3 and 4 to form groups of five teams each.
Uganda Cranes is in the dreamland following a 2-1 away win over Botswana in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.
The result brightens Uganda’s chances of qualification.
The match played on Saturday evening saw Uganda Cranes take the lead as early as ten minutes into the fixture.
L-R Murushid Juuko (3), Ochaya Joseph (13) and Denis Iguma(12) taking care of the situation in defence for Uganda Cranes against Botswana. Iguma provided a sublime aerial ball to Aucho to score Uganda’s second goal.
Kizito Luwagga after controlling a well chipped pass from Tonny Mawejje, rounded off the advancing goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe to net the opener.
Presidential love and care to the players. FUFA boss with skipper Geoffrey Massa. Emma Okwi (7) and Hassan Wasswa also present.
His efforts though were cancelled out five minutes after the break when second half substitute, Onkabetse Makgantai.
Khalid Aucho who plays for Gor Mahia in the Kenyan top flight got Uganda back on track with another sublime finish after being fed by right back Denis Iguma.
Tony Mawejje supplied Luwagga with the killer pass for the opener.
L-R Leader of Delegation Denis Mbidde, Cranes coach Micho and FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo could not hide their excitement after the match which Uganda won 2-1 against Botswana.
Both Uganda Cranes goals were of sublime quality.
The win puts Uganda on top of Group D with ten points while Burkina Faso is on seven but play Comoros on Sunday.
Earlier in the day FUFA President Moses Magogo met a group of fans based in Botswana before he handed over Uganda Cranes replica jerseys to Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Botswana Dr. Sebastian Okello-Wengi
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo hands over jersey to Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Botswana Dr. Sebastian Okello-Wengi. On the extreme left is Decolas Kiiza who headed Uganda Cranes advance party.
AFCON 2017 Qualifier (Group D): Saturday, 4th June 2016
Botswana Zebras Vs Uganda Cranes
At Francistown Sports Complex
Kick-off: 4 p.m local time (5 p.m East African Standard Time)
There has been excitement and a very big boost in the Uganda Cranes’ camp on Thursday evening when midfielder Faruku Miya trained for the second time with the team in Zimbabwe ahead of the Botswana cracker.
Uganda Cranes held a body conditioning training session at Hartsfield stadium in Bulawayo for about 40 minutes after flying in from Harare aboard Air Zimbabwe.
“The players condition is promising and positive. I am happy that the players have responded well in training” head coach, Milutin Sredojevic said.
In Bulawayo, the team has been accomodated at Bulawayo Rain bow Hotel.
The team will depart Bulawayo for Plumtree town (a boarder town between Botswana and Zimbabwe) at 8 a.m in the morning before heading to Francistown.
A mandatory last training session will be held at the Francistown Sports complex later in the evening.
Full Team in Zimbabwe:
Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyanyo (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia)
