Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry will announce the provisional squad on Thursday 27th February 2020 to start preparations for the final tournament of CHAN that will be held in Cameroon from 4th – 25th April 2020.
The announcement will be made during the press conference at 10am on Thursday, FUFA House, Mengo.
‘On the same day, the coach will release further details of the entire preparation for the Cranes’ said FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein.
‘On Thursday 27th February Uganda Cranes Head Coach Johnathan McKinstry will announce his provisional squad for the Final tournament of CHAN. FUFA will give details for the whole Cranes preparations’
The event will be streamed live on FUFA TV (YouTube Channel), FUFA Facebook Page, FUFA Twitter and Live broadcast on 102.1 FUFA fm.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head Coach Johnathan McKinstry
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry is confident Uganda will perform better than the previous Total CHAN tournaments participated in.
In an exclusive interview with www.fufa.co.ug moments after the draw held in Cameroon, McKinstry hinted on the exceptional pool of talent in Uganda, the work ethics and belief of the players.
Uganda Cranes was drawn in group C alongside defending champions Morocco, neighbors Rwanda and debutants Togo.
Here is the detailed interview:
FUFA Media: What is your general assessment of group C at Total Chan 2020?
Johnathan McKinstry: Overall, it is an interesting group to be drawn in. There is a lot of different types of football that we to play. It is a proper Pan- African group that has a West African opponent, North African opponent and an East African opponent. The styles of football for all the opponents are obviously different. We know on our preparations that we have to be ready for those different types of football on every given match day. Overall, we feel that we have all it takes to progress. Togo will be making their debut, it will be something new to them as they are slightly inexperienced but equally they have an experienced coach in Claude Le Roy. The players might be inexperienced but a coach who has spent more than 20 years on the African continent, he can build up the team. I know Rwanda very well and a lot of the players I gave the debut are still part of the team. We look forward to that. For Morocco, it will be a different test all together.
FUFA Media: What is your general assessment of all the groups at the Total Chan Tournament?
Johnathan McKinstry: The good thing about the Chan tournament is that it changes in every competition. The nature of Chan is that if a team is successful, like Morocco a number of players are seek greener pastures in foreign leagues and therefore had to predict. Well, you might add a few pieces to the puzzle. It is all about preparation and planning.We believe that we can qualify. All teams start the tournament believing that they will reach the knock out stage.
FUFA Media: How do you rate the chances of Morocco as defending champions?
Johnathan McKinstry: Morocco is good with a strong domestic league. We have a few Ugandan players playing in that league. They are a very competitive team and we know what Moroccoan players bring to the field. Nonetheless, We are ready for them. We all know Uganda versus North Africa in recent years. Morocco is the final group game, we need to first win the first two games for a good positive start against Rwanda and Togo before facing Morocco in the final game.
FUFA Media: How far do you think Uganda will go in the tournament?
Johnathan McKinstry: We go to the tournament very confident. We believe we can qualify for the quarter finals and make it beyond.
FUFA Media: The team lost some important players like Joel Madondo and Allan Okello who left for professional football. How are you copying with that?
Johnathan McKinstry: Both Allan and Joel are talented players and that is why they have ultimately been given an opportunity to move on. In line with the purpose of CHAN, the players were to be given expose to play professional football. We have a lot of talent in Uganda, I have said that before. Look at how we rotated the team at the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup. Yes, there is no another Allan Okello or Joel Madondo in the league but equally there are other players ready to step up and take the chance.
Johnathan McKinstry during the interview with the FUFA Website
FUFA Media: Uganda has a derby with Rwanda. How prepared are you for this contest?
Johnathan McKinstry:There is no team in Africa that I know better than Rwanda. Many players (in senior team or CHAN team) not not played for me but I gave them their senior debuts. There is some old friendship, but for 90 minutes, there will be rivalry. I believe we have enough quality and all it takes to take maximum points not only against Rwanda but also against Morocco.
FUFA Media: Who is the biggest threat in the group?
Johnathan McKinstry: Surely, I think our biggest threat to us is ourselves. We have got to make sure that we perform. There is more than enough talent in Uganda, the team ethic and work rate and we have shown that already is that that level that we can progress. We need to go out and put a 10 out of 10 performance not only in matches but during training sessions.
FUFA Media: How are you preparing the team for the Total CHAN 2020 Championship?
Johnathan McKinstry: When you look at Uganda’s performance at Chan over the years, this has been one of the disappointments for Uganda’s football because the StarTimes Uganda Premier League is very competitive league. Every year, there are close to 7 to 9 players get the opportunity to move outside Uganda. This alone shows you that the clubs in the UPL are doing something right to produce and develop the good talented players. But, this has not been reflected in the Chan performances. One of the reasons might be that in previous years, the players who qualified the team for Chan leave before the main finals. This time, we have prepared well. One of the reasons we played CECAFA was to prepare the Chan team. When we played CECAFA in December 2018, we have lost Joel and Allan but the rest of the team remains intact. One of our concerns in the transfer window was that what happens when we lose 5 to 6 players. We have lost two. We have the talent deep as we go to the tournament, we just need to perform when we get into the matches. We are into a good position to advance to the quarter finals.
Uganda Cranes players in a warm down session at Lugogo on the eve of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup tournament
FUFA Media: What is that special synergy between the Chan players and the fans?
Johnathan McKinstry:Chan is a great tournament but sometimes when it comes to AFCON when players are playing in Europe or America, the supporters may don’t not get to see them so often. But with the Chan players, the fans get to see them so often every week whether you are a fan of SC Villa, URA, Vipers, URA. These are the guys you see when you turn up at Namboole, Lugogo or Kitende when they play for your home town team. When they put on the colours of the Uganda Cranes, it really is your player, your brother, your neighbor, your cousin playing for Uganda.
We gonna be playing a couple of friendly matches here in Kampala (full programme will be released) late in March. Come out and support the team. Send them to Cameroon with that positive energy. Come and support the team. Show them that they are not playing for themselves, but for the country at large, their friends and families.
Uganda Cranes players lift head coach Johnathan McKinstry after lifting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 2019
FUFA Media: When is the team being summoned and any hint about the preparations?
Johnathan Mckinstry: A group of 45 players are under close supervision. All of them are aware of that and given personal training for stamina, power and endurance on top of their club training regime. In the final week of February 2020, we shall be announcing the provisional group of 32 players. We shall start the camp on March 2nd 2020.
Uganda Cranes will play Morocco, Rwanda and Togo in the group stages of the 2020 TOTAL Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament in Cameroon.
This was determined in the draws held on Monday, 17th February 2020 in Cameroon where Uganda was well represented by the FUFA Second Deputy CEO in charge of football, Decolas Kiiza.
Other groups:
Hosts Cameroon will face Mali, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe in group A. Libya, DR Congo, Congo and Niger are in Group B.
Zambia, Guinea, Namibia and Tanzania are in group D.
The Total CHAN Championship will be played between 4th and 24th April 2020.
Uganda Cranes official sponsors Airtel fulfilled their promise to the living legends of the 1978 Uganda Cranes Legends team with a 4G smartphone each who attended the 2019 Airtel FUFA Awards in Munyonyo.
The function held at FUFA House on Monday morning was presided over by the FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
Airtel Uganda was represented by Head of Public Relations Sumin Namaganda.
L-R Airtel Head of Public Relations Sumin Namaganda and FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha during the function
Representing the 1978 legends were Ashe Mukasa, Barnabas Mwesiga, Paul Ssali, and Abbey Nassur.
In his address, the FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha thanked Airtel for recognising the football icons who represented Uganda at the 1978 AFCON and urged all football lovers to support Airtel.
FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha during the function
‘We thank Airtel for the endless support to football. It is such a great gesture to recognise the football icons in addition to sponsoring the Uganda Cranes, Regional tours, Airtel Rising Stars and the FUFA Awards. I urge all Ugandans especially football lovers to support Airtel because they also inject in the beautiful game’ Said Mugisha.
L-R Paul Ssali and Abbey Nasur after receiving their Smartphones
Meanhile Sumin Namaganda on behalf of Airtel applauded the legends for the heroic display during the 1978 AFCON in Ghana and expressed her gratitude for having an opportunity of rubbing shoulders with the icons because many people weren’t born then to watch them play.
Bernabas Mwesiga receiving a smartphone from FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha
‘During the Airtel FUFA Awards 2019 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, the Airtel Uganda Managing Director VG Somasekhar made a commitment to honor the 1978 legends who turned up at the event in Munyinyo and I am here to fulfill his pledge. We are graciously happy to have some of them now and we promise to keep honoring you. Airtel Uganda will continue supporting football in Uganda because we believe it is the tenacity that will take this country to another level. We shall continue our sponsorships to football in Uganda and partnerships’ said Namaganda
Airtel Head of Public Relations Sumin Namaganda making her speech after fulfilling the pledge
Speaking on behalf of the 1978 Uganda Cranes squad, Ashe Mukasa appreciated FUFA for organising the Airtel FUFA Awards and inviting them to attend the function from which Mr. VG Somasekhar made his promise.
Ashe Mukasa receiving his phone from FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha
‘On behalf of the 1978 Uganda Cranes squad, I thank FUFA for the invitation to the Airtel FUFA Awards. We also thank Airtel for the gifts and promise to stick to the brand because it is the only way we can express our real gratitude’ Said Mukasa
MAIN PHOTO: Airtel and FUFA officials in a group photo with Uganda Cranes 1978 legends
Most Valuable Player (MVP):Robel Teklemichael (Eritrea)
Best Goalkeeper: Charles Lukwago (Uganda)
Top Scorer: Oscar Wamalwa (Kenya) – Three goals
Fair Play Award: Uganda Cranes
Uganda Cranes easily out-muscled Eritrea 3-0 during the final of the 2019 CECAFA men senior challenge cup at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala on Thursday.
Proline Football Club forward Bright Anukani, KCCA’s Mustafa Kizza and Busoga United striker Joel Madondo scored the goals for Uganda Cranes to further stamp authority in the region.
This had been the second time that Uganda Cranes overcame Eritrea in the same tournament, after an easy 2-0 win during a group A clash.
Uganda Cranes players celebrate the opening goal scored by Bright Anukani in the 15th minuteUganda Cranes players celebrate their third goal, scored by substitute Joel Madondo in the 88th minute
Outstanding Players:
Eritrea’s Robel Teklemichael was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Charles Lukwago of Uganda took home the golden glove award as best goalkeeper and Kenyan, Oscar Wamalwa was top scorer with three goals.
Uganda’s goalkeeper Charles Lukwago shows off his trophy as the best tournament goalkeeper
Uganda’s Victories Since 1928 (As Gossage and CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup):
Uganda Cranes will face Eritrea in the final of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup at the Lugogo Stadium in Kampala on Thursday.
This was confirmed after the two semi-final matches played on Tuesday, 17th December 2019.
Eritrea knocked out defending champions Kenya 4-1 in the early kick off.
Oscar Wamalwa (own goal), Abel Solomon Okbay, Michael Habte Gebremesqel and Robel Kidane found the goals for Eritrea.
Wamalwa scored the consolation for Kenya.
Uganda Cranes’ forward Ben Ocen in action against Tanzania during the semi-finalsUganda Cranes XI Vs Tanzania
Hosts Uganda progressed to the finals after overcoming Tanzania 1-0 with the winning goal coming from striker Fahad Bayo in the 86th minute.
That said, Kenya and Tanzania, the two losing semi-finalists will now battle for third place.
Fahad Bayo in celebrations after scoring the winning goal
Both Kenya and Tanzania faced off in the group stages with Kenya winning 1-0 during a physical group B contest.
Thursday’s final between Uganda and Eritrea will also be a repeat of the group A contest where Uganda won 2-0.
Addressing the media in the official post match press conference, Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry saluted the fighting spirit of his charges as keenly eyes the final as a golden opportunity to win the silverware.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry (middle) during the post match press conference at Lugogo
‘I salute the players for the strong mentality shown and great fighting spirit in all the matches played. We need to work together as we look forward the final against Eritrea. We need to win it’ McKinstry stated.
Coming to the 2019 final, Uganda Cranes will be eyeing their 15th title since 1926, the founding year of the tournament, arguably the oldest championship on the entire African continent.
Allan Okello in action against Tanzania
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustafa Kizza, John Revita, Halid Lwaliwa, Shafiq Kagimu, Bright Anukani, Allan Okello, Joachim Ojera (70′ Abdul Karim Watambala), Fahad Bayo, Ben Ocen (55′ Viane Ssekajugo)
Subs Not Used: Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Musitafa Mujuzi, Paul Mbowa, Nicolas Kasozi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Joel Madondo
Head coach: Johnathan McKinstry (Northern Ireland)
Tanzania XI: Aishi Salum Manula (G.K, 31′ Boniface Mnata Metacha), Hassan Salehe Dilunga, Nickson Clement Kibabage, Juma Abdul Jafari Mnyamani, Gadiel Michael Kamagi, Ditram Nchimbi Adgan, Eleuter Herman Mpepo, Bakari Mwamyeto Nondo, Patrick Kelvin Yondani, Yassin Said Mzamiru, Jonas Gerald Mkunde
Subs Not Used: Robert Mapigano David (G.K), Gamba Baraka Majogoro, Lucas Almeida Kikoti, Paul John Nonga, Cleophace Mkandla, Salehe Gereza Mwaita, Mohammed Hussein Mohammed
Head Coach: Juma Mgunda (Tanzania)
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Diraneh Gueidi (Djibouti) Assistant Referee 1: Suleiman Bashir (Somalia) Assistant Referee 2: Liban Abdurazak (Djibouti) Fourth official: Omar Abdoulkadir (Somalia) Assessor: Jean Claude Birimushau (Burundi) Commissioner: Othman Suleiman (Zanzibar) General Coordinator: Amir Hassan (Somalia) Media Officer: Shaffi Abokar (Somalia) Technical Study Group: Daniel Yohannes (Eritrea)
Johnathan McKinstry and the rest of the technical team members
*Both Matches at Star Times Stadium, Lugogo, Kampala
Entry Fees: 10,000 (Ordinary), 30,000 (VVIP)
The two semi-final matches of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup Tournament will be played at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Tuesday, 17th December.
The earlier kick off will witness Kenya against Eritrea at 1 PM. Hosts Uganda will then take on Tanzania.
The finals shall be played on Thursday, 19th December 2019 (venue will be confirmed).
Kenya is the reigning champion of the annual tournament.
Uganda Cranes open up the CECAFA 2019 Senior Challenge Cup with a game against Burundi in group A at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Saturday, 7th December.
For starters, Group A also has three other countries; Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti.
After weeks of intensive training, the head coach Johnathan McKinstry named the final team of 20 players on Friday who will be used for the entire championship.
The technical personnel talk to the players in talk session after training on Friday afternoon at Lugogo
McKinstry warned the players against underrating the opponents and promised for the best showing in the tournament.
‘We are focused and determined to give our best performance. All the players are ready physically and mentally. Against Burundi, it is not the same game like we recently played against them in the CHAN 2020 qualifiers. This is a different game‘ McKinstry stated.
Allan Okello takes on Burundi during the CHAN 2020 qualifiers at Lugogo in Kampala
Head to Head against Burundi:
In the last five CECAFA meetings, Uganda Cranes has managed to win 3 games, a draw and 1 loss since 2011.
When both teams met in the previous CECAFA in 2017 in Kenya Uganda Cranes won 2-1 in a group match. In the same competition both teams shared spoil in a goalless draw during the knockout stage.
The only win for Burundi against Uganda in CECAFA was the 1-0 victory that happened way back in December 2011 in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.
However, Uganda Cranes and Burundi played each other in the CHAN 2020 Qualifiers were Burundi lost both legs on a 3-0 final score.
The team was in charge of Abudallah Mubiru as an interim coach.
Despite losing to the Uganda Cranes while working with Amavubi Stars of Rwanda in 2015 CECAFA final match, this is McKinstry’s first CECAFA Tournament with Uganda Cranes having joined Uganda Cranes at the end of October this year.
Nevertheless, the Irish born coach is looking forward to maintain his record of not conceding a goal yet since joining Cranes.
He has played 3 international matches (Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Malawi) plus 2 regional tour games that have seen his side leaving the pitch without feeling the pain of conceding.
Other games:
The Cranes will face Somalia in the second game on Monday 9th December before playing against Eritrea and Djibouti on Wednesday 11th and Sunday 15th December respectively.
Uganda Cranes players in a warm down session at Lugogo on the eve of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup tournament
Final Squad:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCCA FC) and Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume FC)
Defenders: Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC), John Revita (KCCA FC), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC, Captain), Paul Mbowa (URA FC)
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Johnathan McKinstry has named a 30 man preliminary squad for the forthcoming 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup to be hosted by Uganda from 7th to 19th December.
This provisional squad is composed of only home based players. Training starts on Wednesday, 27th November 2019 but KCCA FC, Proline FC and SC Villa players in the Squad will report after the completion of their clubs’ first round StarTimes Uganda Premier League matches on 3rd December 2019.
Uganda Cranes is top of the TOTAL Afcon 2021 qualifiers in group B following a well worked out 2-0 victory against Malawi Flames at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Sunday, 17th November 2019.
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi and Fahad Bayo netted the goals for Uganda, a momentous experience where the Cranes marked 366 days upon return to Namboole, since 17th November 2018 when Uganda Cranes beat Cape Verde 1-0 to seal a slot to the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.
The magical lenses captured what transpired before, during and after the ‘366 Back to Namboole with Cranes’ trail.
Faruku Miya leaves Malawi right back Stanley Sanudi on the groundThe joy of scoring: Emmanuel Arnold Okwi celebrates the opening goalThe CAF FlagOkwi dribbles the ballAllan Okello and Faruku Miya applaud the fansEmmanuel Arnold Okwi and Fahad Bayo celebrate the opening goalWilliam Luwagga Kizito in actionL-R: Johnathan McKinstry, Abdallah Mubiru, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Fred Kajoba, Alexander McCarthy and Geofrey MassaUganda Cranes XI Vs Malawi: L-R (Standing) – Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Bevis Mugabi, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho and Denis Onyango (Captain). Front Row: Aziz Fahad Bayo, William Luwagga Kizito, Faruku Miya and Nico Wakiro WadadaUganda Flag
Malawi Flag
Faruku Miya beats Malawi’s Hellings Mhango Gabadinho and Gomezgani ChirwaMalawi technical members
The Lets Celebrate CAF flagUganda Cranes substitute players sing that national anthemUganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango addresses the media after the matchTeam arrive moments before the pre-match customs and kick offUganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango (second left) and the Malawi counterpart John Banda with the match officials before kick offExcited Uganda Cranes fansFaruku Miya and youngster Allan Okello share a light moment during the pitch inspection by the Uganda Cranes playersDefender Murushid Juuko smiles as he disembarks from the team busEmmanuel Arnold Okwi waves to the people who received the protocol team at the stadiumTeam captain alights from the team bus upon arrival at the Stadium from Protea Marriott Hotel, Skyz
Fans carrying the treasured Black – Yello – Red Uganda Flags in the standsA section of fans in the Namboole stands with the 366 Back to Namboole with Cranes placards
The game was organized by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in partnership with the Uganda Cranes main sponsors Airtel Uganda, key partners Nile Breweries Limited (under the Nile Special brand), Eco Bank, Bidco Uganda Limited (under White Star Magic), Bet Lion as well as the the management of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and Uganda Police.
There are less than 24 hours before kick-off for the Uganda Cranes home game against Malawi in the TOTAL Afcon 2021 qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium on Sunday.
The two countries will be battling each other in a group B clash, the second respective games for either side in the campaign.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry, captain Denis Onyango as well as the Malawi head coach and captain addressed the media during a joint press conference held at Protea Marriot Hotel, Naguru on Saturday.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnthan McKinstry and captain Denis Onyango
Both McKinstry and Onyango expressed the readiness to face Malawi before the home fans and openly expressed the need to pick up maximum points.
Building from the away point earned away against Burkina Faso, Uganda Cranes faces Malawi with the urge to seek maximum points and lead the group.
McKinstry and Onyango have also called upon the fans to be the 12th player in the stands as Uganda Cranes returns to Namboole after 366 days since the 1-0 win over Cape Verde.
L-R: Denis Onyango, Johnthan McKinstry,, Meke Mwase, John Banda
Quotes:
Johnathan McKinstry, Uganda Cranes Head Coach
We shall do what is required to get the points we need. We earned a point against Burkina Faso and playing at home against Malawi will completely be different. We want hungry players. Players who will fight for the shirt. It will be a difficult challenge against Malawi. It will be a tough encounter but we are ready for the best game. I have been looking forward my first game in Uganda. I expect an electric stadium. There is pressure to perform and we like it. We look forward the game. We expect a full backing from the fans. Alexis Bbakka and Abdul Lumala are great players and it is reason that made the squad will be missed but Uganda Cranes has a wide pool of talented and hungry for success players
Johnthan McKinstry, Head Coach Uganda CranesDenis Onyango, Uganda Cranes captain
Denis Onyango, Captain Uganda Cranes
The Uganda Cranes players are hungry for success and to perform. Even Messi and Ronaldo who are the best players are still hungry for more. Even us, the Uganda Cranes players are still yearning for more glory. We managed to get a point away from Burkina Faso which was a great plus. That is now behind us. The focus is now against Malawi. We played against them last year and it was a goalless draw. It is a different game now. We have the fire power now. We need to win our home games. We need more, we are more hungry players.
Uganda Cranes fought gallantly for a precious away point during the goal-less draw with Burkina Faso during the AFCON 2021 group B qualifier at the Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou on Wednesday night.
It necessitated collective display right from players, the technical department, FUFA administration to the 13th man keenly following the game to earn the point away from home.
Left back Johnson Benson Ochaya had an early goal-line clearance before captain Denis Onyango was called upon to make routine collections and tame goal bound moments.
Abdul Lumala, Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi and Patrick Henry Kaddu all troubled the opposition backline which remained solid.
In the second half, Uganda Cranes had the best scoring moment when Okwi headed onto the cross bar a curling corner kick by Miya.
Johnathan McKinstry and the technical team called for all the three mandatory changes as the game progressed.
Nico Wakiro Wadada was introduced for Bevis Mugabi at right back.
Patrick Henry Kaddu was rested for Isaac Muleme and later on Alexis Bbakka got introduced for Miya.
The team is now second in group B with a point, same like Burkina Faso. Malawi leads the standings with three points following their 1-0 victory earlier over South Sudan.
Team captains with the match officials prior to kick off
‘We had the fight and desire in the match against Burkina Faso. It is one pointed and we need to maintain doing this to earn on the road. We are now going back home and look forward that home game against Malawi at Namboole Stadium on Sunday, 17th November 2019. We call upon the fans to come and fill up the stadium’ McKinstry noted after the game.
Focus and action will quickly swing to the next game on Sunday, 17th November 2019 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole against Malawi in a duel that has been dubbed “366 Back To Namboole with Cranes”.
The delegation in Burkina Faso will fly back home on Thursday, 14th November 2019 aboard the chartered flight on Uganda Airlines.
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Burkina Faso
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (GK, Captain), Bevis Mugabi (Nico Wakiro Wadada), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awany, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, Faruku Miya (Alexis Bbakka),Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Abdul Lumala, Henry Patrick Kaddu (Isaac Muleme)
Subs Not Used: Robert Odongkara (GK),Charles Lukwago (GK), Hassan Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa,Taddeo Lwanga, William Kizito, Allan Kyambadde, Fahad Bayo, Allan Okello
Burkina Faso XI
Burkina Faso XI:
Adama Sawadogo (GK), Steeve Yago, Edmond Tapsoba, Issoufou Dayo, Yacouba Coulibaly, Charles Kabore, Bryan Boulaye Dabo, Jonathan Pitroipa, Eric Traore, Cyrille Bayala, Lassina Traoré
Wednesday, 13th November 2019 – Burkina Faso Vs Uganda Cranes
At Stade 4 Aout, Ouagadougou (LIVE on 102.1 FUFA f.m) – 10 PM
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry has confirmed the starting XI to face Burkina Faso on Wednesday night at the Stade 4 Aout in Ouagadougou City.
Denis Onyango, the team captain starts in goal. Bevis Mugabi at right and Joseph Ochaya at left back.
The pairing of Timothy Awany and Murushid Jjuuko will play in central defence.
The midfield has US based Mike Azira, Khalid Aucho, Abdul Lumala and Faruku Miya.
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi and Patrick Kaddu are the forwards on the team.
On the substitutes’ bench are two goalkeepers in Robert Odongkara and Charles Lukwago.
Other players are; Nico Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Hassan Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa,Taddeo Lwanga, William Luwagga Kizito, Alexis Bakka, Allan Kyambadde, Fahad Bayo and Allan Okello.
Uganda Cranes will play the second game on Sunday, 17th November 2019 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole against Malawi in a duel that has been dubbed “366 Back To Namboole with Cranes”.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (GK, Captain), Bevis Mugabi, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awany, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, Faruku Miya,Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Abdul Lumala, Henry Patrick Kaddu
Subs: Robert Odongkara (GK),Charles Lukwago (GK), Nico Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Hassan Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa,Taddeo Lwanga, William Kizito, Alexis Bakka, Allan Kyambadde, Fahad Bayo, Allan Okello
Mandela National Stadium management gives assurance on the state of the pitch
Uganda Cranes qualification campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations starts with an away game against Burkina Faso on Wednesday, 13th November 2019 in Ouagadougou and four days later, the team will be back in action at home against Malawi.
Therefore, the preparations for Sunday’s clash against Mandela National Stadium are in high gear and efforts to have a successful game have been beefed up.
FUFA on Wednesday morning gave updates as regards tickets, security and the state of Mandela National stadium in a press briefing held the Federation headquarters.
Chairman, International Matches Organizing Committee (IMOC) Issa Magoola revealed that the Malawi Flames will arrive on Friday afternoon.
“The Malawi national team will jet into the country on Friday afternoon and we shall receive them at the airport. The match officials are coming from Sudan and will reach here on Friday evening.”
International Match Organising Committee (IMOC) Chairman Issa Magoola addressing the media at FUFA House Mengo
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Onyango assured the public that security will be guaranteed before, during and after the game.
“Uganda Police Force together with our sister security agencies would like to give assurance to all football lovers that security will be guaranteed on Sunday. We shall deploy both covert and overt officers in and around the stadium. Our duty role is to keep law and order and that is what we shall do that day. We will not give room to wrongdoers and warn them not to come to Namboole on Sunday.”
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango talking to the media at FUFA House Mengo
Onyango also cautioned the public to desist making political attachments to social events like football games.
“We have not anticipated any political threat and we do not expect any sort of political attachments to this game. It is against CAF and FIFA rules to involve political sentiments to football and thus we call upon the fans that will come to Namboole to desist from such.”
Mr. Rogers Byamukama, the chairman FUFA marketing and communication revealed that the tickets will have gone on sale and the selling points have been released.
“We first released the early bird tickets which have been on the market up to Tuesday. Another bunch that includes ordinary tickets (Ush 20,000), VIP tickets (50,000) and VVIP tickets (120,000) have been released today and the selling points.”
Rogers Byamukama FUFA Marketing and Communications Chairman addressing the media
He also indicated that the arrangement to have students watch the game has been going on and several schools have come on board.
“As FUFA, we took a decision to enable students to watch the national team and several schools have embraced the move. The students’ tickets will come at a cost of Ush 10,000 but only for schools that have made prior arrangements. “
Mandela National Stadium Sports and Recreation Officer, Vivian Tendo gave an update about the state of the stadium indicating it’s in the right conditions to host the game on Sunday.
“We made a deliberate move to put a hold on activities at the stadium in the last two weeks because the playing turf had lost shape. I assure the public that the pitch is now in proper condition to host the game on Sunday.
Uganda is in group B alongside Malawi, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan.
Ticket Prices
Ordinary Tickets – 20,000 /=
VIP Tickets – 50,000/=
VVIP Tickets – 120,000/=
Tickets via Airtel Money – (15,000/=)
Students – (10,000/=). Schools must have made prior arrangement with FUFA
Uganda Cranes won 4-0 in convincing fashion over the North East region at the Katakwi High School play ground during a regional tour match on Saturday.
Mustafa Kizza, Fahad Bayo, Joackim Ojeera and second half substitute Hassan Ssenyonjo got the goals for the national team before a mammoth crowd.
Kizza converted a penalty in the 22nd minute following a foul on Ojeera in the forbidden area.
Bayo doubled the lead following a mistake by goalkeeper Joshua Okwaput following an earlier back pass from Steven Oriokot to take a a 2-0 half time lead.
Two late goals from Ojeera, a headed effort off Kizza’s curling corner kick and Ssenyonjo wrapped up the victory.
Bayo and Kizza bow down in glory to the Almighty to celebrate one of the four goals on the daySkipper Halid Lwaliwa with the ball in the opening stages of the gameHassan Ssenyonjo (shirt 22) is joined by teammates to celebrate the fourth and final goal of the evening
This was the first regional tour match for new coach Johnathan McKinstry.
The match is part of the preparations for the national team as the 2021 AFCON qualifiers come knocking.
Uganda Cranes will travel to Burkina Faso on 12th November 2019 ahead of the opening group B match the following day in Ouagadougou.
Four days later, Uganda Cranes will entertain Malawi on 17th November 2019 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Part of the mammoth crowd that watched the game in KatakwiNorth East XI
Team Line Ups:
North East Region XI:
Joshua Okwaput (G.K), Jonathan Okello, Emmanuel Opolot Tandema, Julius Ocen, Steven Oriokot, Joel Ekadu, Paul Oonyu, Denis Emorut, Emmanuel Lokuuna, Ivan Otude, Simon Odeke
Subs: Gilbert Aikomo (G.K), Abraham Ojale, Julius Isaac Odoa, John Okwatum, Ronald Eletu, Stewart Okiror, John Aleper
Officials:
Head coach: Julius Ogwang
Assistant Coach: Mike Okiror
Official: Simon Onyait
Uganda Cranes XI vs North East Region
Uganda Cranes XI: Charles Lukwago (G.K, KCCA), Paul Willa (Vipers), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), John Revita (KCCA), Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Shafiq Kagimu (URA), Bright Anukani (Proline), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers), Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Joachim Ojeera (URA)
Subs: James Alitho (URA FC), Ashraf Mandela (URA FC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants), Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Viane Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants)
Officials:
Head coach: Johnathan McKinstry
1st Assistant coach: Abdallah Mubiru
2nd Assistant coach: Charles Livingstone Mbabazi
Goalkeeping coach: Fred Kajoba
Doctor: Emmanuel Nakabago
Uganda Cranes captain Halid Lwaliwa (second from left) and the North East counterpart Julius Ocen pose with the match referees prior to kick off
*Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & All Official FUFA Social Media Platforms
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry has confirmed the starting eleven players to start the game against the North East region at Katakwi play ground on Saturday afternoon.
Charles Lukwago will start in goal. Paul Willa at right back, Mustafa Kizza on the left back position.
Halid Lwaliwa and John Revita are the two central defenders. Nicholas Kasozi and Shafiq Kagimu are the two holding midfielder as Bright Anukani starts as the offensive midfielder.
Joachim Ojeera and Allan Kayiwa are the two wide-men and Fahad Bayo leads the front line for goals.
The match will relied live on 102.1 FUFA f.m and across all the FUFA social media platforms.
The regional tours are jointly sponsored by the Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel and Nile Breweries under the brand Nile Special, as organized by FUFA and Kibo Media.
Uganda Cranes XI:Charles Lukwago (G.K, KCCA), Paul Willa (Vipers), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), John Revita (KCCA), Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Shafiq Kagimu (URA), Bright Anukani (Proline), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers), Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Joachim Ojeera (URA)
Subs: James Alitho (URA FC), Ashraf Mandela (URA FC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants), Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Viane Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants)
*Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & All Official FUFA Social Media Platforms
The Uganda Cranes players have successfully held a recovery training session at Soroti Hotel play ground on Friday evening.
The hour long session was conducted by the head coach Johnathan McKinstry, flanked by the first assistant Abdallah Mubiru and goalkeeping coach, Fred Kajoba.
This followed close to six hours of travel from FUFA House in Kampala where the delegation departed.
The team has pitched camp at Soroti Hotel from where they will depart to Katakwi (an hour’s drive) on Saturday ahead of the eagerly awaited regional tour match against the North East region.
The Uganda Cranes players in ball work session at Soroti Hotel
McKinstry will be handling his first ever game in the regional tours since he was named head coach six weeks ago.
The Northern Irish national is keen and eager for the game ahead, which will give him further close interaction with the locally based players.
‘I am happy that we managed to travel well from FUFA House in Kampala to Soroti. We have held a light session of one hour to loosen the players’ bodies. We are set for the match against North East on Saturday’ McKinstry told www.fufa.co,ug after the light training session on Friday.
The players during a ball work drill
Team coordinator Geofrey Massa with the head coach Johnathan McKinstry
The team will depart Soroti for Katakwi on Saturday, a few hours to the match.
The tour is jointly sponsored by the Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel and Nile Breweries under the brand Nile Special, as organized by FUFA and Kibo Media.
The players in a warm up drill before ball work
Full Delegation:
Players:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), James Alitho (URA FC)
Forward Players: Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), John Revita (KCCA FC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Nicolas Kasozi (KCCA FC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Joachim Ojera (URA FC), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers SC), Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Fahad Bayo (Vipers SC) Ashraf Mandela (URA FC)
