2024 Tokyo Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers
First Round, First Leg Uganda 3-3 Rwanda
Uganda and Rwanda played out a thrilling three-all draw on Wednesday as the two sides faced off in the first leg of the first round of the 2024 Paris Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
In the game played at Kigali Pele Stadium, neither settle could secure maximum points, leaving the fate of the contest for the return leg.
Assistant coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi made two changes from the team that started against Tanzania in a friendly game last week.
Margaret Kunihira and Joan Nabirye started ahead of Catherine Nagadya and Shamirah Nalugya respectively.
Uganda made an impressive start and should have taken the lead as early as the sixth minute but Fauzia Najjemba failed to find the target left with just the goalkeeper.
It was Rwanda that broke the deadlock through Mukahirwa, capitalizing from a goal melee in the 33rd minute.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa levelled matters at the stroke of halftime off a well taken ferocious strike that sent fans from either side cheering.
The first change for Uganda came just after recess with Kunihira paving way for Nalugya.
Five minutes into the second half, Najjemba was fouled inside the area and Hasifah Nassuna took the responsibility to slot home two minutes later.
In the 66th minute, Rwanda equalized through Libelle Nibagwira’s free kick.
There were further changes for Uganda with Fazila Ikwaput and Nagadya coming on in places of Nassuna and Sandra Nabweteme respectively.
Ikwaput helped Uganda regain the lead in the 84 minute, finishing off from a well laid cross by Samalie Nakacwa.
However, the lead was short lived with Rwanda once again finding the equalizer two minutes later through Usanasi Zawadi.
The two teams will face off on Sunday with the winner on aggregate facing Cameroon at the second qualifying round.
Uganda’s Starting XI Ruth Aturo, Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Margaret Kunihira, Hasifah Nassuna, Sandra Nabweteme, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Fauzia Najjemba
TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifiers 2023 Group F Matchday 5 Uganda 1-2 Algeria
Uganda Cranes suffered a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in the penultimate round of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
In the game played on Sunday at Japoma Stadium, Douala, Cameroon, the desert Foxes carried the day with a 2-1 win.
Mohamed Amoura scored a brace for Algeria while Uganda’s goal came from second half substitute Fahad Bayo.
The first stanza saw Uganda Cranes put up a resilient performance and marched the visitors for long spells.
However, with three minutes to the break, Algeria broke the deadlock with Amoura tapping from close range after goalkeeper Salim Magoola spilled the ball from the initial effort.
At the start of the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic called for changes introducing Bayo and Richard Bassangwa for Bobosi Byaruhanga and Milton Karisa respectively.
There were further changes with Isma Mugulusi and Travis Mutyaba coming on in place of Farouk Miya and Emmanuel Okwi respectively.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 67th minute off a quick counter attack and Amoura was once again well stationed to tap the ball into the back of the net.
With a minute to the end of the game, Bayo got Uganda’s goal of the day after a good pass from Bassangwa.
The result leaves Uganda in third place on 4 points. Algeria move to 15 while Tanzania and Niger have 7 and 2 respectively.
Uganda’s final group game will come away to Niger in September and the Cranes will need to win and hope Tanzania lose to Algeria to stand a chance of qualifying.
18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria
Salim Jamal Magoola and Rogers Mato Kassim are key figures of the Uganda Cranes currently in camp preparing for the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifier match with Algeria June 2023.
Jamal plays for Richards Bay FC in South African Premier Soccer League while Mato is at KCCA FC, one of Ugandaβs top clubs in the country. Jamal has been a valuable player in the team for the last two matches between the posts while Mato has stepped up his game as well by knocking on the doors of the senior team regularly. Both players have not disappointed with their displays in this campaign so far. Mato scored the goal that hit Tanzania so hard in Dar Es Salaam as Uganda won 1-0 while Jamal kept a clean sheet.
FUFA media caught up with the two players in camp at the teamβs base Best western Plus Hotel.
Salim Jamal on Auchoβs arrival in camp, importance of the match against Algeria and the need to be counted
First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of life and the opportunity we have today to play soccer.
We are looking forward to the game on Sunday which is very important. It is a lifetime chance to be at this stage. It is a chance for us to go through to the next round if we beat Algeria. With the squad we have, we just have to keep the spirit together. It is a mixture of young and experienced players. It is a moment for this generation to make history this time around against Algeria which is a big country when it comes to football. With the main focus on qualifying, we have to do our best so that we get the points on Sunday.
The addition of Khalid Aucho in the camp is a big boost because he is the second captain and an experienced player.
I think when he is around the team is ready for the challenge. With Coach leading us it is a great opportunity to use this chance given his experience around Africa.
Rogers Mato
First of all, I thank the Almighty for the gift of life, the managers, the sponsors, and the summoned 23 players. We did our very best to see that we are summoned. In this game we are going in, it is a big one and we are going to play a big country. They are technical and tactically strong. We shall do whatever we can do to get the points.
This game is the one that will take us into the history books and it is very important for us to get positive points. The players, we are technically prepared.
It is always a nice feeling to score goals and I look forward to scoring for my country every time I wear the jersey.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic believes that his boys have benefitted a lot from today international friendly played against DR Congo at Japoma Stadium in Douala Cameroon.
Cranes suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the hands of the Congolese team now handled by former Uganda head coach Sebastian Desabre.
DR Congo Starting XI
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Uganda conceded a first penalty but there were signs of great efforts and improvements as noticed by the coach as he addressed the media during the post-match press conference in a packed room by members of media.
Uganda was on the wrong footing in the first half but returned for the remaining 45 minutes and put up a big show.
Substitutions were made as seven players were given chance to make a productive run out that improved the display in the second half. Substitute Charles Lukwago make a fabulous save midway the second half while Milton Karisaβs attacking efforts were about to pay off but missed a glorious opportunity to level the score.
Uganda will now switch their attention to the AFCON qualifier match against Algeria on Sunday at the same stadium that hosted todayβs friendly.
Micho on current squad after losing both Joseph Ochaya and Gavin Kizito to injury
We are too late to make any replacements. We are having 21 players, 18 field players and 3 goalkeepers that are ready for the Sunday game. The biggest benefit of todayβs game is that we have saved Khalid Aucho who played the Tanzanian Cup on Monday and won. He just arrived today. We didnβt want to use him and take risks.
The second aspect is that we wanted late arrivals of Bobosi from America and Mugulusi from Greece to try and test them in this match. When you look at everything, I am very happy everyone gave their best. We have some hidden cards that we are looking to unleash on Sunday. In other words, we are trying, testing and experimenting in the friendly match the material face of the Uganda Cranes that we shall see on Sunday when we are going in direct competition to fight for our lives, to fight for the points against Algeria.
Micho on Ugandaβs chances during the game
We started on a wrong foot. I believe the penalty was not supposed to be there having in mind that the player was falling down and he couldnβt control his movement while going down. It has been decided so I have nothing to complain about that.
We had the biggest chance of first half from the corner kick that had come. We conceded from a penalty. In the second half we were changing the approach understanding that the opponent is building with a box of two defenders and two defensive midfielders and are putting fullbacks high up the field. So, we decided to put players that could exactly hold the ball better like Basangwa. We created unbelievable chances however, we didnβt convert.
Micho says no forgiveness on Sunday
I always like to say, in these games, there is some blessing. It is better to happen today than on Sunday. Now we have critical points to touch in analysis of this match. Today we have tried, tested and experimented but Sunday we are going directly in competition. There is no forgiveness.
Micho says Ochaya and Kizito have been released from camp
Due to the injuries, there is no match that is bigger than the players. Injuries at level call for medical team advice. We shall send them back to their respective clubs in Egypt for recovery. We shall use 18 field players and 3 goalkeepers.
I know that we are carrying on our shoulders so much expectations. I want to take all the pressure away from players. I want them to come and show what they are capable of because we are playing an early final of the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast against a top-class team, Algeria on Sunday.
There is no better chance than this match to show what is the real character and value of this team despite the fact that we are having several young players that ever in recent history of Uganda Cranes.
After 2006, we have always been candidates up to the last match to qualify and that is a standard we are keeping no matter that we are a team in transition with so many young players. But young players have the greatest chance to go from boys to men with support of a few senior players so that together we cross that line and we qualify for AFCON.
Wednesday 14.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT DR Congo vs Uganda Cranes (International Friendly)
Sunday 18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria 9Total Energies AFCON 2023Q)
The sight of Fahad Bayo in the Uganda Cranes training sessions gives every Ugandan fan the belief that the country is ready for battle on the field.
Bayo is a Ugandan professional footballer currently playing for MFK VyΕ‘kov in the Czech Republic National Football League. However, his attention is now on the National team-Uganda with two matches to be played this week. Bayo knows that his adoring fans around the world, more so to those back home in Uganda and his home region West Nile would like to see him score on Sunday against Algeria.
Bayo says that mentality will play a key role in the game against Algeria to keep the fire burning in the TotalEnegries AFCON Qualifiers 2023.
“We know what is at stake but the mentality at this stage from everyone in camp must be at its finest. It is not an easy stage as the young players will need guidance to manage such pressure moments but we are confident” said Bayo as he talked to FUFA Media in Douala, Cameroon where the team is camped.
Bayo is never shy in front of goal as he scored two crucial winners against Rwanda during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers but also netted a poacherβs goal when the Uganda Cranes played Kenya in the same campaign.
Bayo who looks extremely sharp in training in Douala is yet to find the back of the net this campaign (AFCON Qualifiers 2023) but he says he is well aware that strikers are judged by what they do to the back of the net during the match.
“It is not easy for strikers. My job is to score goals. If I donβt score it hits me but I need to remain mentally strong. I will score goals. It is all about keeping the faith and more hard work.” added Bayo.
With DR Congo coming up on Wednesday afternoon in an international friendly, Bayo takes time to highlight the importance of this game.
“It is a perfect match to help us try out so many things but we are also getting close to what the coach needs us to deliver against Algeria” noted Bayo who is part of the 22 players currently in camp.
Of all the players in camp, two of them Joseph Ochaya and Gavin Kizito are nursing injuries that need assessment by the medical team.
Ismail Mugulusi reported on Monday night and was able to train with the rest of the team while Khalid Aucho flies in on Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday 14.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT DR Congo vs Uganda Cranes (International Friendly)
Sunday 18.6.2023 4pm Local Time/6pm EAT Uganda Cranes vs Algeria 9Total Energies AFCON 2023Q)
Uganda Cranes midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga says that every player in camp is looking forward to a big week that will turn the table standings of his beloved Uganda in the ongoing AFCON 2023 Qualification campaign.
Shortly after his arrival in Douala, Cameroon where the Uganda Cranes team is camped ahead of the match against Algeria this Sunday, Bobosi Byaruhanga noted that the commitment from the players is very evident and are ready to fight tooth and nail.
However, they are ready to play two important matches against DR Congo (International friendly) on Wednesday and Algeria on Sunday at the Japoma Stadium.
Bobosi and team will come up against former Uganda Cranes coach Sebastian Desabre who is now handling DR Congo.
Bobosi was just enjoying good times at St. Maryβs Kitende Boarding Secondary School and the Vipers SC Junior team when Desabre was having the best of his times with the Uganda Cranes.
“We are focused and want to play against DR Congo but our main focus is on Sunday when we play Algeria. We shall face DC Congo to gain the much-needed experience against another team with quality players” said Bobosi as he spoke to the FUFA Media team in Cameroon.
With Algeria coming up as well and so much significance attached to the match, Bobosi says that all that we need is to remain focused.
“We started planning for this game after facing Tanzania. We have people who are sending us messages saying Algeria must fall. We are focused ahead of Sundayβs game and we need to get the best results” said Bobosi.
Bobosi plays in the US with Austin FC and his experience garnered at a young age will be very crucial to the team.
“We are going to play against good players but we have what it takes to see off any team in Africa. We shall have a game plan for Sundayβs match because we need the three points” added Bobosi who trained with the team today at Japoma Annex.
He arrived in Cameroon today.
The arrival of Bobosi in camp brings the number to 21 players with Ismail Mugulusi and Khalid Aucho set to fly in by Wednesday.
Uganda vs DR Congo, 14th June 2023 4pm (Local time, 6pm EAT)
2023 AFCON Qualifier
Uganda vs Algeria, 18th June 2023, 4 PM Local Time, 6pm EAT)
All matches at Japoma Stadium, Douala-Cameroon
Uganda is two hours ahead.
The Uganda Cranes camp in Douala, Cameroon has been boosted by the arrival of Egypt based trio, Joseph Ochaya, Gavin Kizito and Richard Basangwa.
The three players joined camp on Saturday and were later drafted into the afternoon training session at Japoma Annex.
Joseph Ochaya stretchingRichard Basangwa (R) stretching along Siraje SentamuPrayer Time: L-R- Geoffrey Wasswa, Gavin Kizito and Fahad Bayo.
Related to the above, four more foreign based players are expected to join camp with custodian Charles Lukwago (St. George FC, Ethiopia) and USA based Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin ll) on Sunday, while Greece and Tanzania based midfielders Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos) and Khalid Aucho (Young Africans) will jet in on Monday and Wednesday respectively.
A contingent of 16 players left Entebbe International Airport on Friday morning (2.45am) and went through Addis Ababa before finally completing their journey at Douala International Airport.
Uganda is hosting its home matches on foreign soil due to the unavailability of a certified stadium by CAF in the country to host Category A matches (AFCON and World Cup matches).
Ugandaβs known home venue Mandela National stadium is undergoing renovation.
Uganda Cranes team is accommodated at Best Western Hotel that is just ten minutes away from the Douala International airport.
Uganda is in third place of Group F on 4 points, same as Tanzania while Niger is on 2 points. Algeria with 4 wins out of 4, has already qualified for the AFCON Finals to be hosted in Cote DβIvoire.
International Friendly: Uganda vs DR Congo, 14thΒ June 2023
2023 AFCON Qualifier: Uganda vs Algeria, 18thΒ June 2023, 4 PM
The National Senior football team, the Uganda Cranes is now safe and sound in Cameroon ahead of their crunch 2023 AFCON Qualifier with Algeria on 18thΒ June 2023 at Japoma Stadium in Douala.
A contingent of 16 players that left Entebbe International Airport on Friday morning (2.45am) went through Addis Ababa before finally completing their journey at Douala International Airport at 11.45am local time (Uganda is two hours ahead).
At Douala, the team was received by National Teamsβ Officer Paul Mukataba and has been in Cameroon since the start of this week to make early preparations for the team.
Mukatabala confirmed that foreign based players who did not travel to Uganda for the initial training camp, will connect from their respective clubs. Foreign based players Gavin Kizito, Joseph Ochaya and Richard Basangwa will arrive tomorrow (Saturday morning), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Saturday night) while Khalid Aucho and Ismail Mugulusi and Charles Lukwago will join later.
Uganda is hosting its home matches on foreign soil due to the unavailability of a certified stadium by CAF. Ugandaβs known home venue Mandela National stadium is undergoing renovation.
Uganda Cranes team is accommodated at Best Western Hotel that is just ten minutes away from the International airport.
The team will train later today at Japoma Annex.
Uganda is in third place of Group F that is led by Algeria.Β
TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2023 Group F Matchday 5 Sunday, 18th June Uganda vs Algeria Japoma Stadium, Douala
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has named the squad that will face Algeria in the penultimate game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
After ten days of residential training in Kampala, the coach trimmed the team to 23 players that will travel to Cameroon on Friday morning (2:45am).
It should be noted that Uganda Cranes will host Algeria on 18th June 2023 at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.
The squad named has three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and seven forwards.
In Cameroon, the team will play a friendly game against Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, 14th June. This will serve as a precursor for the game against Algeria.
Uganda is third in Group F on four points same as Tanzania while Algeria leads the Group on 12 points. Niger is bottom on 2 points.
FUFA Executive Committee member Issa Kakaire Magoola is the Leader of Delegation.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Charles Lukwago (St. George FC, Ethiopia), Nafian Alionzi (URA FC, Uganda)
Defenders Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (Al Ittihad SC, Egypt), Abdu Azizi Kayondo (CD Leganes, Spain), Joseph Ochaya (Al Makwloon Al Arab, Egypt), Halid Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Gift Fred (SC Villa, Uganda), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Issa Kakaire Magoola – Leader of Delegation Milutin Sredojevic – Head Coach Moses Basena – Assistant Coach Fred Kajoba Kisitu – Goalkeeping Coach Arthur Kyesimira – Fitness Coach El Hadj Moussa Behlil – Video Analyst Emmanuel Nakabago – Team Doctor Ivan Ssewanyana – Team Physiotherapist Samuel Mulondo – Kit Manager Ahmed Hussein – FUFA Communications Director Paul Mukatabala Nantulya – National Teams Officer Goefrey Massa – Team Manager Ivan Otim – FUFA Tv Producer Hakimu Matovu – FUFA Tv Producer Leilah Nankya – FUFA Events Manager
A delegation from MTN-Uganda, the official sponsors of Uganda Cranes had an engagement with the team during their training on Wednesday evening at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The MTN Uganda delegation was led by Chief Marketing Officer Sen Somdev who revealed a 30M pledge to Uganda Cranes for a win against Algeria in the forthcoming AFCON Qualifier game slated for 18th June 2023 in Douala, Cameroon.
He stated that MTN is committed towards making Ugandans happy through the national team.
‘We know that football is the biggest sport in the world and equally in Uganda, football is loved. It is the reason why MTN returned to sponsor the Uganda Cranes and together, we shall make this country proud.’ He said.
‘Ahead of the game against Algeria, we promise a package of 30M for a win. This is to help give motivation to our players and make sure they bring joy to us.’ Somdvev added.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Byamukama who also heads the FUFA Marketing and Communications Committee were also present.
Byamukama thanked MTN and believes their return will revive the love and vibe towards the Uganda Cranes.
‘We all know what MTN is capable of doing because they were here before and we saw how they pushed the brand of the national team. They have returned even bigger and better and we have the confidence this partnership will yield fruits.’
It should be noted that MTN-Uganda promised 2M for the man of the match in the game against Tanzania and Rogers Mato was the recipient.
Denis Omedi’s lone goal was enough to secure victory for the Uganda Cranes against Eastern Region Select in a Regional Tour match played at the Irundu Township P/S Play Ground in Buyende on Tuesday evening.
The match which was also televised live on FUFA Tv was graced by the FUFA President Eng. Magogo Moses Hassim who also serves as the area Member of Parliament in company of his 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA Executive Committee Member representing Eastern Region Yisa Magoola, Eastern Region Chairman Isa Musiwa, Buyende District RDC and a mammoth crowd who enjoyed all moments to the maximum.
After the match, the Uganda Cranes Coach Milutin βMichoβ Sredojevic expressed his delight for the display both teams which lived to the expectation of the crowd and also added that this was the first filter ahead of the AFCON 2023 Qualification match against Algeria.
“We have played without Champions (Vipers SC) players but we took what we thought was the best locally. We’ve always had tough matches with the Eastern Region but today we’ve had a good match which has been enjoyed by many people. We have tested ourselves and this has been a bounce back for those who failed to win the league. I’m glad the lone goal scorer is Denis Omedi who was the top scorer in the FUFA Big League. That is a clear indicator of the quality in the Big League and Omedi is a prospect who needs to be looked at closely. From here we are going back to Kampala to continue with our preparations, and we will be joined by the foreign based players and the local based who didn’t make it to Buyende,” said Micho
The team returns to Kampala on Tuesday and will straight away head to Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
Uganda Cranes XI: Alionzi Nafian, James Begisa, Umar Lutalo, Gift Fred, Geoffrey Wasswa, Semakula Kenneth, Moses Waiswa, Allan Okello, Sharif kimbowa, Mato Kassim Rogers, Charles Bbaale
Substitutes: Norman Angufidru, Edward Kasibante, Maxwell Kamurari, Kasonko George, Marvin Kavuma, Denis Omedi, Saidi Mayanja, Ibrahim Thembo, Rogers Mugisha
A contingent of twenty-one Uganda Cranes players set off on Monday May 29th, 2023, from the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi for Kamuli at 9:00 AM and arrived at 1:00 PM.
They are spending the night at the Kyemba Garden Hotel ahead of the Eastern Regional Tour match against the Eastern Region Select on Tuesday 30.05.2023 at the Irundu Township Primary School Play Ground.
The team conducted the last training session at the St Joseph Vocational Training Centre on Monday evening with all the players and technical team ready to give the best show to the people of Buyende.
While addressing the media, Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin βMichoβ Sredojevic highlighted that among those selected are the best players from the newly promoted teams in the Uganda Premier League.
“We have very strong FUFA Big League teams and the best players from the three promoted teams have been brought here in order to check them and to allow them knock on the door of the National Team. This shows that we respect the people that play in the Big League and that we are one football family.” β Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda Cranes Head Coach
“The team currenty in Kamuli is without players from Vipers SC and Soltilo bright Stars, and Mutyaba Travis who is nursing an injury.” β Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda Cranes Head Coach
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic “Micho” has summoned a provisional squad for the forthcoming match against Group F table leaders Algeria in Douala City, Cameroon.
The squad named is comprised of 42 players, 18 of which are foreign-based while the rest are locally based.
Photo: Mato celebrates the late winner that guided Uganda past Tanzania on Match Day Four
The Cranes will play against the Desert Foxes on June 18th, 2023, in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
On the Group F table, Uganda is in 3rd place with four points, the same as neighbours Tanzania and will later on play Niger in September.
Full list
Cranes to go for a regional tour in the build-up
Thirty-two locally-based players have been summoned by the Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic “Micho” for an Eastern Regional Tour match that is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, May 30th 2023 at Irundu Primary School Playground, Buyende District.
Nile Special has announced the successful conclusion of the Cranes Kabbo unveiling UGX 450M proceeds from the campaign. Launched on November 18 β December 20, 2022, the drive aimed at rallying support for the Uganda Cranes national football team in its quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.
The Cranes Kabbo fund will be invested in one of three proposed areas, each of which holds immense importance for the development of Ugandan football:
Improvement of the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru
Development of a new Nile Special Training Centre
High-level coaches’ development training abroad
To ensure transparency and participation in the decision-making process, Nile Special has opened a poll on its Twitter page encouraging Ugandans to vote for their preferred project that will receive the Kabbo fund.
What should the UGX 450 million collected from the #CranesKabbo campaign be used for?
π ππΎ Improvement of the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
π ππΎ Development of a new Nile Special Training Centre.
π ππΎ High-level coaches' development training abroad.
The voting period commences today and closes on Friday, May 26, 2023. This will be followed by the digital reveal of the poll results and the project chosen for the fund allocation will be unveiled.
The Nile Special brand manager, Joel Galla, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the Cranes Kabbo campaign, stating that; “We are thrilled with the overwhelming support and participation we received from all Ugandans throughout the campaign. The funds raised reflect the collective spirit of the nation and highlight the pride Ugandans have in their national team. We are confident that the funds collected will make a significant impact in advancing Ugandan football and the Cranes in particular.”
The FUFA CEO Edgar Watson while representing the Federation at the event appreciated the partnership with Nile Special.
He remarked, “Nile Special is a special partner to FUFA and I think this occasion testifies that FUFA was right and we want to thank you so much. This is very good for us and for FUFA and all stakeholders in football”
“The kabbo, which is in my own interpretation, something that is still small has generated quite a sum of UGX 450M, then I think Nile Special is indeed special and has rightly engaged football lovers in the Country. And the special around this is that people are directly engaged. I only see this relationship and this kind of campaign and many more coming in to solve the issue of how football is developed in this Country.” the FUFA CEO added.
The Cranes Kabbo campaign derived its name from the virtue of Ugandan society, which emphasizes communal support and unity when called upon for a worthy cause. Nile Special firmly believed that national causes hardly get any bigger than supporting the Uganda Cranes in their quest for FIFA World Cup qualification. To encourage participation, Nile Breweries devised a simple mechanism: for every Nile Special beer purchased, 50/= was added to the Cranes fund. This allowed Ugandans to contribute directly to the ambitious goal of seeing the Cranes qualify for the prestigious tournament.
The Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic “Micho” has named a provisional squad for the Eastern Regional Tour. The match is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, May 30th 2023 at Irundu Primary School Playground, Buyende District.
Full list
The team will assemble at Cranes Paradise Hotel on Monday, May 29th 2023, ready to travel.
Today, Tuesday 25th April 2023 being the deadline set by CAF for all federations to submit names of venues to be used for the qualifiers due in June, the FUFA Executive has taken a decision to host the Uganda Cranes next AFCON 2023 home fixture against Algeria in Cameroon.
This decision comes after FUFA inspected Mandela National Stadium on Monday 24th April 2023 and confirmed that the facility is not ready to host the qualifiers that resume in June.
However, FUFA expresses its disappointment at the latest ongoing works at Mandela National Stadium following yesterdayβs routine site visit by the Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and Stadium officials.
FUFA has described the work as very slow and insenstive to cries of the public to be able to host the matches in Uganda.
‘I call upon the relevant Government authorities to urgently cancel the contracts of the contractors and supervisors and immediately procure experienced service providers in stadium construction even if it means being obtained from outside Uganda. The Country is likely to have a delayed project, substandard work and without value for money.” said Magogo the President of FUFA.
FUFA calls upon all Ugandans to continue supporting the Uganda Cranes from all corners of the world as we bid to qualify for the 2023 AFCON Finals to be hosted by Ivory Coast next year.
Rogers Mato scored a late winner as Uganda Cranes edged past Tanzania on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam.
The game played at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium saw Uganda defeat Tanzania 1-0 to boost their chances of qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mato came off the bench and provided the decisive moment of the game deep in stoppage time.
The closely contested game had limited scoring opportunities for either side but it was Mato who came out the hero scoring in the first minute of the four added minutes.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic made four changes from the team that started on Friday last week in Egypt.
Timothy Awany replace Livingstone Mulondo at the hear of defence ans started alongside Halidi Lwaliwa.
Bobosi Byaruhanga, Isma Mugulusi and Richard Basangwa all started ahead of Siraje Ssentamu, Faruku Miya and Fahad Bayo in that order.
There was indeed improvement in performance from the lads marching Tanzania pound for pound.
The game had a long halt eight minutes before the break following a challenge with the floodlights and it took 30 minutes for the referees to resume play.
In the second half, coach Sredojevic made further changes bringing on Bayo, Mato and Miya and Travis Mutyaba.
The introduction of the trio made instant impact and Uganda kept surging forward in search for a goal.
The breakthrough eventually came in stoppage time with Mato receiving a through pass from Miya before slotting past goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
The win lifts Uganda to third place on 4 points same as Tanzania who are second on the log in Group F.
Uganda will return to action in June with a home fixture against Algeria.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Jamal Omar Magoola (GK), Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Timothy Awany, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Emmanuel Okwi(C), Bobosi Byaruhanga, Richard Basangwa, Isma Mugulusi, Joseph Ochaya
